Romeo de Guzman Mendoza

Romeo “Romy” de Guzman Mendoza, aged 82, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 12, 1941 in Malasiqui, in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines, Romy was a long time resident of Sacramento and Elk Grove, California, where he lived for the past 40 years.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1966, achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer, and served for 24 years, Throughout his Navy career, he traveled to many countries, lived in several states, and most importantly met and made many lifelong friends.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Romy kept himself busy learning how to be a bartender, and even selling cars. He then finished his accounting degree and worked at the Franchise Tax Board and the Board of Equalization, retiring from the State in 2006.

Romy enjoyed the many simple things in life like tending to his garden, swimming with his granddaughter Madisyn, cooking his favorite foods, or trying his luck on the slot machines. Romy was everyone’s friend, the one who always greeted neighbors or those just passing by with a friendly wave and smile.
He always had a sparkle in his eye every time he reminisced about a past memory or experience, especially when talking about his time in the Navy. His garden was his ultimate pride and joy which he worked in day after day.  He had the greenest thumb- able to grow just about anything. Rain or shine you would find him in his garden either planting or harvesting the many fruits and vegetables, always sharing pictures of them on social media.

He loved telling jokes, especially during the several trips and gatherings taken with his “OMG Filipino Mafia” friends. He strived and loved to make people laugh and smile.
Nothing made Romy happier than being around family and enjoying every moment, every laugh, every card game, every conversation. Romy devoted his life to helping others. He played a crucial role in helping his siblings and family immigrate to the United States, giving them the opportunity to build a better life for themselves.

He was an alumni, sponsor and stakeholder to Don Pedro elementary school in the Philippines, even being adamant about sending them money weeks before he passed.

He was a devout Catholic, and a member of St. Maria Goretti parish. He was a loving and dedicated husband to Priscila for 53 years of marriage. He is survived by his three children, Ronald (Mary), Carolyn (John) and Rex (Romillie), and grandchildren Madisyn, Jonah, Jared, and Nick. He was preceded in death by his parents Ambrocio and Francisca, sister Dorotea and brother Omay.

Romy lived a fruitful and fulfilled life. He loved a good party. “Enjoy life while you can,” was his motto. He is someone who will be irreplaceable in this world and is extremely missed by all. He will forever remain in our hearts.