Requiem Mass for SD3 (Retired) Avelino Lonzanida  will be at 12:00 noon, Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church, with the Rev. Philip Seeton, pastor officiating.

Burial with full military honors will follow at the Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

Rosary will be at 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 17, 2016 in the funeral home chapel.  The family will greet friends until 8:00 P.M. following the Rosary.

Avelino was born November 14, 1921 in San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines.  After retirement, he spent a few years in the Philippines, doing what he passionately loved, farming and fishing.  Thereafter, he and his wife followed their children and grandchildren, making Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Colorado, their second, third and fourth homes, respectively.

Grandpa/Dad, 94 years old, passed away in Broomfield, Colorado, August 9, 2016.  He joined and served in the US Navy, starting in Subic Naval Base, Philippines.  San Diego, CA was his homeport.  He was stationed in Sangley Point Naval Base, Cavite, Philippines and Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia.  Through the Navy, he traveled the world over.  He fought in the latter part of World War II in the Pacific and Southeast Asia; and in the Korean War.  He served aboard the USS Toledo and USS Pyro.

His perspectives in life are always positive; he is always looking at better side of unfavorable circumstances, emphasizing to us that the past can teach us to improve the present and the future.  Even when he was very sick, he had shown independence, stamina and balance. He always has a ready smile and an attitude of gratitude. All health providers whom he met loved him and respected him. The one precious lesson Grandpa/Dad had taught us is to not to fear aging. He quotes, "Old age is the golden stage of life, it is full of grace and utmost dignity."

He was an active man with a passion for gardening and notably always chasing frogs and insects to amuse his grandkids. He loved watching basketball and sport shows, even if the TV is on mute.   His favorite thing to do was cook gourmet breakfasts for his grandkids.   He took breakfast orders from his grandkids the night before like silver-dollar sized pancakes,  scrambles egg whites, and specifically sautéed corned beef for Abigail  and fried rice for Lyndon .   His grandchildren are the jewels of his eyes.

He has truly lived his earthly life from the beginning to the end. He will be remembered for his sweet smile and infectious giggle; his compassion and optimism. He will continue to live in the souls and hearts of those he left behind.

He is survived by his children, SSG (Retired) Revelino L. Lonzanida ( US Army) and Dr. Lynn L. Lonzanida, MD; daughter-in-law Bernadette D. Lonzanida, MBA, CPA; grandchildren, Abigail and Lyndon.  He is also survived by beloved nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren in the Philippines.

He is predeceased by his wife, Resureccion; and his parents, Jose and Inez Lonzanida.

He will surely be missed by his therapy dog, Bullet.