George Tigno Estrada

George Tigno Estrada, a 26 year resident of Roseville, California, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025 at the age of 92.

Born on August 28, 1932, in Manila, Philippines, he was the second oldest of the children of Jorge Estrada and Celerina Tigno Estrada. After finishing high school, he decided to join the United States Navy in 1954 (age 22) in order to make a better life for himself and travel the world. He went from the Naval Training Command in San Diego in 1954 to Miramar Naval Air Station (1954-1956), the USS Tarawa CVS 40 (1956-1958), NAS Rota Spain 1958-1960, Point Magu NAS (1960-1961), Snagley Point NAS in the Philippines (1961), Moffett Field NAS (1961), Miramar NAS(1961-1964), Alameda NAS (1964), Ream Field NAS in Imperial Beach, CA (1964), Alameda NAS (1964-1967), Lemoore NAS (1967), and finally settled at NAS Whidbey Island from 1967 until he retired in 1974 after 20 years of service. He had advanced through the service as a jet engine mechanic and was proud to have achieved the level of ADJ1 — Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Jet Engine Mechanic, Petty Officer First Class (E-7). After retiring, he worked for United Airlines as a jet engine and automotive mechanic from 1974-1997, retiring after 23 years of service.

He was most active in the church in his younger years, serving as a Sacristan in the Philippines prior to joining the Navy, and then as an usher during his years at Whidbey Island. His favorite saint was St. Augustine. He had Devotion to the Sacred Heart. During the last several years, he would pray every day thanking the Lord for his long life, outliving most of his contemporaries.

He loved his family and worked hard to support them, sending his children to college and graduate school, and being there for them when they needed anything. He opened his home to relatives and friends when they were in need and showed them the importance of taking care of family and friends. He always stressed the importance of being prepared and learning as much as we could to make a good life for ourselves. He and mom encouraged the children to be the best they could be in everything they did.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth C. Estrada whom he met in San Francisco and were married at the chapel at Miramar NAS in San Diego in 1961. He is also survived by his children Mark, Arnold, Michael, and Teresa and grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, David, Noah, Jacob, Caitlin, and Ian.

He is preceded in death by his father Jorge, mother Celerina, older sister Lourdes (Lourding) and younger brother Eduardo and is survived by his younger sisters Rose, Florence, and Veronica.

During his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling and going on cruises as well as photographing and videoing the places he visited. He enjoyed spending time with family and grandchildren.

Friends and Family are invited to celebrate George’s life. On Thursday, May 8, 2025, there will be an open casket viewing and vigil with rosary from 11:30am-12:30pm and Funeral Mass at 12:30-1:30pm, followed by a reception from 1:30 to 3:00pm in the St. John room at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1950 Junction Blvd., Roseville, California. On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Committal with full military honors and rifle volley will be at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, California. Plan to arrive at the SVNC front visitor center at 12:00pm for assignment to a lane for the procession to the outdoor commitment shelter. Military Honors with Rifle Volley starts at 12:30 with Final commitment prayers around 12:45pm.