Mark Florencio Guinto

Mark Florencio Guinto was born on October 27, 1932 in Pampanga, Philippines, to parents Alberto S. Guinto and Prima Medina. Surrounded by family at his home in Escondido, California, Mark entered his eternal rest on October 2, 2019. Mark lived a long and fruitful life full of family, friends, and his beloved canine companions.

Mark spent his youth in Pampanga and moved to Manila with his family after the passing of his mother. For a time, Mark was heavily involved in his father’s auto repair shop, then in 1955 joined the United States Navy as a welder on nuclear submarines. After joining the Navy, Mark was happy to have the opportunity to travel the world. He was soon stationed in the California Bay Area, where he met his wife Henrietta. The two were married in 1957 and had two sons, Roderick Florencio and Mark Renwick. The family was stationed internationally, including Japan, Guam, and Scotland. Mark’s service eventually brought the family to San Diego, where he retired in 1975 and then continued in the civil service for another 20 years.

Family has always been Mark’s top priority, and once he was established in the United States, he assisted his siblings as they came from the Philippines and transitioned to American life. After settling in San Diego, Mark and Henrietta could often be found throwing parties and potlucks to bring everyone together. Mark loved cooking and entertaining, and was always overjoyed to welcome people into his home- especially to celebrate holidays or watch Chargers football!

Upon his full retirement, Mark was finally able to delve into another passion - dog training and showing. As one of the founding members of the Hidden Valley Obedience Club, Mark became entrenched in all aspects of obedience work. Mark and his dogs were very successful, and it wasn’t long before his office walls were decorated with award ribbons and plaques.

At the age of 80, Mark was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and had to undergo dialysis treatments three times per week. Although the treatments exhausted him, he did not allow them to stop him from living his life as he wanted. He continued tailgating, working with his pup Rex, and spending quality time with his loved ones.

On September 5, 2019, Mark suffered a stroke that left one side of his body paralyzed. He finally chose to go home under comfort care on September 29 and spent the next few days with loved ones at his bedside around the clock. On October 2, Mark passed away peacefully.

Mark will be lovingly remembered by: his wife, Henrietta; sons, Roderick and Mark R.; granddaughter Lindsay; sisters, Elvira, Prima, and Marylou; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.