Rolando Mendoza Carandang

Rolando was born the oldest of seven children to Amado and Efigenia Carandang on January 25, 1945. He was known in his hometown of Taal, Batangas in the Philiippines as a local basketball star and a friend to many. His siblings fondly remember the days of making toys from scratch with Rolando to pass the time away.

Rolando was a distinguished elementary school teacher at Looc Elementary School and Bilaran Elementary School for more than ten years. He proudly led the school’s math team to consecutive wins in math competitions. His Boy Scouts team ranked 1st place in marching competitions with his intricate, uniformed choreography. Other teachers, including the one who would one day win his heart and become his wife, described Rolando as creative, industrious, diligent, smart, mischievous, and humorous in the classroom and in life.

He later joined the United States Navy in 1975 to provide a better life for his immediate and extended family and to pave the way for other family members to achieve success. Through his strong work ethic and dedication, he obtained the highest level of enlisted military service as Master Chief Petty Officer (E9). He retired in 2006 with multiple military honors and decorations. As a child, he always wanted to see the world. The U.S. Navy allowed him to do just that.

Fondly nicknamed “Master Chief” or “Chief Kepuha” by those who knew him best, Rolando had the ability to command a room and make it his mission to generously take care of others. One way he would lavishly love others was through food. Whether it was at a sushi bar, all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet, or in his home, it always brought a smile to Rolando’s face to see people enjoying good food around good company. Food was definitely one of his love languages.

Rolando also loved basketball, gardening, and hiking. What brought him the greatest joy was his family. He adored the love of his life Ada and went on several adventures with her before his sickness overtook his body. Rolando and Ada were just three months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. He loved time with his children and grandchildren. To say that his grandchildren were his pride and joy is an understatement.

Rolando is survived by his loving wife, Ada; beloved children and sons-in-law, Allan Carandang and Luke Botzheim of Lynnwood, WA, Melissa Carandang White and Ethan White of Chesapeake, VA, and Eileen Carandang of San Diego, CA; cherished grandchildren, Noah, Grady, Alex, and Rachel White; siblings, Yolanda Bati, Normita Martinez, Patrick Carandang, Jake Carandang, Ar Carandang, and Henry Carandang as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The Wake and Public Viewing will be held at El Camino Memorial on Saturday, April 29, 2023 and Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 4:00pm -8:00pm. Requiem Mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 10:00am. A private funeral service will be held by invitation only. Rolando will be laid to rest at El Camino Memorial Park.

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