Regidore Dancel Calilan

Born to the late Gabriel Calilan and the late Pascuala Dancel Calilan of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, Philippines with 3 other siblings Arsenio, Marianito (deceased) and Crecensia Cayetano (deceased).

In 1959, he enlisted in the United States Navy. His tours of duty included a stint in the Pacific during the Vietnam War onboard the USS Sacramento, shore duties in Bremerton, Washington and Key West, Florida.

In 1965, he married the love of his life Bertina Castillo and had 3 lovely children Mariam, Jouette and Michael. It was love at first site. They spent the rest of their lives in wedded bliss!

In 1970, on their way to his next tour of duty Port Huememe, California one of his daughters, Jouette got very ill. It forced him to relocate to Miramar Naval Air Station, San Diego so she could obtain medical care at Balboa Naval Medical Center. He completed a 20-year service in the United States Navy and retired in 1979.

Young and still energetic, he joined the California Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer. He was stationed at the Richard Donovan Correctional Facility in Otay Mesa, California until his retirement in 2001.

He was a man of few words; definitely a no- nonsense man. He was blessed, or some would say cursed, with an independent wife. She did not mind working and was not content to be kept at home. His wife Bertina, was a teacher by profession, pursued a nursing career and became a Registered Nurse.

Her career choice became very handy in later years of their lives when she cared for him at home.

Shortly after his last retirement from the California Corrections, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. His wife faithfully took care of him at home for the 16 years of his illness until he joined his creator.

He was fondly called Reggie or Idor by everyone,

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, watching football and baseball with his son, Michael. He found pleasure in preparing meals for the family with his wife and daughter, Mariam. He was also a health buff. You can either find him in the gym, bicycling, jogging or the sauna.

He loves to eat especially rare steak and ice cream. His favorite drink of choice was Chivas Regal.

He is preceded in death by his youngest daughter Jouette and is survived by his wife Bertina, his daughter Mariam, his son Michael and brother Arsenio Calilan.

Family, relatives and friends will remember Reggie as a loving and devoted husband, a doting father and a good provider.

A visitation for Regidore will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Good Shepard, 8200 Gold Coast Dr, San Diego, CA 92126. A graveside service will occur Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 2:15 PM to 3:00 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Calilan family.