Alex Asuncion Soriano

On May 4, 1946, our Dad enlisted in the United States Navy. He wanted to see the world and come to the United States of America. His training took him to Treasure Island, San Francisco, Ca. It was at this time he legally changed his name to Alex Asuncion Soriano. Dad had told us that many of his shipmates could not pronounce or remember his name, Asuncion, therefore, he changed his name to Alex- easy to pronounce and easy to remember.

Our Dad was married to Carmen Ubando Paras on January 28, 1946. Dad often told us that Mom was “the most beautiful girl in all of Pangasinan”. Mom was a contestant in a local Beauty Pageant when he first saw and fell in love with her. They had 4 children, Ruben, Susana, Evangeline and Carmen Asuncion Amy. Until the death of our Beloved Mom on May 8, 2000, Dad and Mom were married 54 years.

Dad’s tour of Naval Duty took him to Okinawa, Saipan, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, France, Annapolis, Md., Vietnam and The Pentagon where he was fortunate to have spent the majority of his Naval Duty there. While at the Pentagon, our Dad was a Chef for three (3) Secretary of Defense- Robert S. McNamara, Clark M. Clifford and Melvin R. Laird. Many times, Dad was asked to assist with White House special events during Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon years. On October 1, 1975, our Dad retired from the Navy.

After retirement, Dad enrolled himself at Southwestern College. He was so proud to tell his Grandchildren that he attended College. But, when asked what classes he attended, he would laugh and tell you that he was really there just to socialize and hang out with his friends at the Student Center.

Our Dad was known to be an easy going guy who loved to have fun with his family and friends. He loved working in the back yard helping our Mom with her Rose bushes, Fruit Trees, the Bird Aviary and their many dogs, and taking walks every morning with Mom. Dad loved Jet Skiing with his children on the Bay on weekends. Mom and Dad loved entertaining and hosting loud parties and sing-a-longs at their home with all of their friends from the various Association Clubs they belonged to. He loved having Holiday gatherings especially Christmas. He couldn’t wait to open his gifts. Dad and Mom loved taking care of their Grandchildren, Stephanie, Tony, Nikki, Ashley, Sean and Ryan. He enjoyed spending his mornings with his “McBuddies” having breakfast and coffee at the nearby McDonald.

There are 5 things our Dad will be remembered for – * Love for his family. Family always comes first. Help and be there for one another. * Love for America. He would never buy anything unless it was made in America. He only drove American cars. Their home always displayed an American Flag in the front. * Love for a huge Steak for dinner and Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert. * His love for his Leather Jackets…whether it’s 30 or 100 degrees outside, our Dad always had his Leather Jacket on or with him. * His motto – Don’t worry, be happy!