Katherine Louise Merino

Dec. 30, 1918 – Apr. 29, 2005 Oct.11, 1921 - July 17, 2013

Carlos and Katherine “Katy” met at Sweetwater High School in the 1930’s. Carlos grew up in San Ysidro and Katy in Chula Vista. They married in 1938 Carlos 19 and Katy 17. Carlos was in the hardware business as a clerk and Katy was a homemaker soon to be the mother of 7 children, Michael, Steven, Ronald, Charles, Gilbert, Katherine (Lisa) and Carol.

At age 50 Katy trained as a Nurse’s Aide and worked for 15 years at Bay General Hospital prior to retiring at age 65. She was an avid reader and always spoke her mind. She was a bright independent woman born in a time too early for the Women’s Movement.

Carlos with his partners opened El Tampico restaurant and bar in Palm City in 1946 and it remained open until 1972 when I-5 and imminent-domain pushed through the front door. Carlos then opened South Bay Restaurant Supply Company for the next 35 years.

They grew up and learned together as very young parents, doing their best through good times and bad to raise a family. In the end they both cared deeply for family and friends and will be missed. They are survived by sons Ron and Charlie, daughters Lisa and Carol in addition to 14 Grandchildren and 12 Great-Grandchildren.

We have no Choice, if we love, we grieve.