LORENZO GARCIA VICENTE

            “Larry”

February 23, 1939 - March 6, 2009

 

Saddened and shocked by his sudden death, the family and friends of Lorenzo Vicente are taking comfort in the memories of many years of happiness with such a great personality, his extensive military career and active community involvement.

 

Born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Alabang with six brothers and sisters, Larry left his family at the age of 19 to join the U.S. Navy, graduating from Boot Camp in San Diego California, before relocating to New London Connecticut. 

 

During his naval career, Larry became a naturalized U.S. Citizen. and found submarine service to be his preference.  Earning his “Dolphins,” he served our Country for 20 years on both diesel and nuclear vessels:  The U.S.S. Sirago, U.S.S. Requin, U.S.S. Halfbeak, U.S.S. Thomas A. Edison and the U.S.S. Plunger, receiving Honorable Discharge as a MS Wardroom/General Mess Supervisor in March of 1979.

 

Continuing culinary and organizational skills learned both in the military and through his cultural upbringing Larry is fondly remembered by the sound of knives sharpening followed by the aroma of both Philippine and American dishes served with perfection to groups large and small.       

 

In 1974 he was stationed at Mare Island, Vallejo and met Lorena “Mae” Hawkins of Fairfield through dancing which they further enjoyed for many years. In 1976, Larry became “Pop” to Rhonda, Russ and Robin.

 

From 1977 until 1983 Larry served as a Reserve Police Officer with Suisun City Police Department moving to the rank of Sergeant. 

 

Rhonda married Charles  “Jay”  Ford, Jr. and have a son, Wm Alexander Hawkins.

 

Russell married Peggy and adopted Melissa the mother of their first grandchild Aurora Sue born in November.  Amanda Victoria and Melody Renee Hawkins were born shortly thereafter.

 

Robin married John Pitts whose children are Jackie Marie and Johnathan Matthew.

 

Larry was an extremely proud and devoted “Poppa” rarely missing a school function, performance, graduation, parade or important event of a grandchild from Day Care to College, from California to Florida.

 

Maintaining his dedication to the military, Larry served as a Shipwright at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, Shop 64 until he retired in February 1994 with 33 years of total military service.  He established an X‑Shop 64 monthly Breakfast Club and an annual Wives’ Appreciation Dinner each December for 12 years.

 

Larry was a member of the USSVI Sub Vets and Mare Island Sub Base Group.  He proudly wore his vest to many local Parades, displaying  his affiliation.  Monthly, he attended meetings and volunteered as a Docent providing tours of the diesel submarine at Pier 39 to tourists from all over the United States as well as other countries.

 

Larry attended many submarine and family reunions.  Daily via internet he exchanged notes, jokes and news with relatives and his network of friends over many decades.  In Branson Missouri a reporter from the Library of Congress interviewed Larry for the “Veterans History Project” a DVD available to the public as part of our Nation’s historical files.

 

Although he had more fun than dedication to score, Larry enjoyed many friendships with the Tri-City SIR Branch 106 golf group, serving on the Board for many years. 

 

Operating Larry’s Courier and Copying service, Larry was often seen driving around in his white SUV with his two golden retrievers in the back seat, heads stuck out each side of the vehicle. 

 

Larry is survived by a brother and two sisters in the Philippines:  Nicanor Vicente, Mercedes Cacares, and Lita Pangelian .  He is “Tito Lory”  or “Pop” to 19 nieces/nephews, and 20 great‑nephews and nieces in the Philippines and U.S.

 

Eric, Tess and Edna Vicente were at his side with numerous family members when he left his worldly assignment to transfer to new duties beyond.

 

Our family would like to express gratitude to all who have expressed comfort in this difficult time; especially Police Chaplain Joseph Prudhomme and the staffs of DGMC, TAFB and U.C. Davis Hospital, Sacramento Cardiac Critical Care Unit.

 

Family Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Pampanito Hull Fund P.O.Box 470310 San Francisco CA 94147-0310 or by http://maritime.org/store/DRYDOCK.htm

(Memo line: In  Memory  of Lorenzo Vicente) 

 

The Mare Island Sub Base Group will hold a  public “Tolling of the Boats Ceremony”  and tribute at 12:30 on March 27^th at the U.S.S. Pampanito (Pier 39) S.F.  A ferry leaves Vallejo at 10:00 and arrives at Pier 41 at 11:30, allowing time to get to the Pampagnito and get settled.  Family members are planning to attend at that time.

 

Arrangements are provided by Fairfield Funeral Home 425-1041