Hernando Deguzman Santiago began his journey on February 8, 1936 In Cabanatuan, Philippines. He was the 4th of Jacinto and Agapita’s 6 children. He graduated from Nueva Ecija High School in 1954 and went on to Mapua University where he obtained his degree in Surveying Engineering in 1959. Shortly after college graduation he began work as a surveyor at Aquino Surveyors. It was in that office that he met and courted Nora Santiago ~ they fell in love and became engaged in 1961. It was also at that time that Hernando decided that the best life for his future wife and family would be in the United States, and he joined the United States Navy. After basic training and assignment in Florida, Hernando returned to the Philippines, and on March 18, 1965 they were married. Nora joined Hernando in Key West, Florida to begin their lives together. Their family expanded when they welcomed their first daughter, Holly Dianne on March 4th, 1967. Their second daughter, Hilda Desiree followed on July 27, 1968. In 1970 the Navy re-assigned Hernando, and the family made the cross country trip to settle in San Diego, CA, where he was stationed at NAS Miramar. He would spend the next 10 years in the Navy with deployments to Japan and ship repair assignments in Mississippi ~ during those times, his “girls” stayed in San Diego and exchanged many post cards, cards, and letters. In January 1980, Hernando made another decision for his family; “Chief Petty Officer Sandy” retired and took on the duties of stay at home husband and father of two teenage girls. Six months into this “new assignment”, the family decided that it was time to adjust his career path, and Hernando returned to work as a civilian employee at Miramar until his second retirement in 1999. Hernando gained sons when Hilda married Chuck Nothdurft in October 1996 and Holly married James Hilley in April, 1998. Hernando began another new life chapter on October 1st, 1998 when James and Holly welcomed his first granddaughter, Christina Dianne May Hilley. His second grandchild and first grandson Benjamin Hernando Nothdurft followed on May 12th, 2000. Holly blessed him with two more granddaughters, Corina Rene Marie Hilley on April 30 2002, and Chailyn Tracy Elizabeth Hilley on August 29, 2003. His final grandchild, Charles Michael Nothdurft Jr. arrived on May 15th, 2004. In his late years Hernando enjoyed traveling to Europe, Japan, the Philippines, and Canada. He also liked cruising to Hawaii, Alaska, and the Mediterranean with his beloved Chamote, his daughters and sons-in-law and his gang of grandkids. He spent his retirement as “wowo” and “Dad”, chauffeuring his grandchildren first to and from Lake Miramar/McDonalds, then to and from school. He spent a lot of time watching Holiday programs and plays; and attending promotions and graduations. He and Nora celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in March, 2015 and he celebrated his 80th birthday in February 2016. Hernando passed away peacefully on November 2nd, 2017. His life was full of adventure, joy, and most of all, love. He will be greatly missed, but the memories he helped create and the love he gave and shared will live on thru us all.
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