Obituary of Dominador T. Belardo

Dominador Torcato Belardo, 93, was born in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, to farmers Bonifacio & Carlota Belardo. After WWII, he immigrated to Lanai, Hawaii and worked on the pineapple plantations. Dominador quickly rose through the plantation ranks from a laborer to a coveted carpentry apprenticeship under the guidance of Issei craftsmen. This is where his passion began for building homes, furniture, sheds, fences, ingenious shelving units, greenhouses and grottos. 
In the early 1950's, during the Korean War, Dominador was drafted into the U.S. Army. During a R&R getaway, Dominador went back to Ilocos Sur, Philippines and met Caridad Calip. They were married on February 6, 1954. Together, they were stationed in California, Japan, Texas, Kansas, and Germany. On September 1, 1971, he retired as Sergeant First Class (E-7) and received a Bronze Star Medal for his valiant service during the Vietnam War. 
In 1971, Dominador and Caridad settled in Marina, California. He pursued his education and received his Associates Degree in General Studies with High Honors. He continued working for the U.S. Government/Civil Service until his final retirement in 1989. 
Not wanting to remain idle, Dad and Mom bought a RV and traveled the U.S. When they weren't travelling, Dominador's schedule was filled with gardening, cooking, rooting for the SF Giants, attending St Jude's Parish, and working his side jobs building fences and other outdoor structures well into his early 80's. 
A few of his biggest milestones was his marriage to Caridad that spanned 55 years; watching his children attend college, witnessing his Grandsons grow up into fine gentlemen, and nurturing his beautiful orchids. 
Dominador passed away, at his home, from an acute illness and end stage Parkinson's Disease. Words cannot describe how much he is missed. Dominador is the most honest, resourceful, generous, and kind-hearted man we know. We find solace knowing he is with Caridad and our Lord. Dominador is survived by his sister Isabela Adviento; children: Janet, Cathy, Dom Jr., and honorary daughter, Jill; grandsons: Nicholas, Jeremy, and Cameron; incredible Nieces and Nephews; and, his cherished dog, also known as his 4th grandson, Sunshine. 
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Compadres and Comadres from the Fatima Group; Close Friends and Neighbors; and, his primary care physician, Dr. Cindy Lee, and medical assistant, Chelsea. 
The viewing will be on Thursday, August 2, 2018, between 4:30pm and 7pm, followed by a Rosary at the Mission Memorial Park Chapel in Seaside. The funeral will be on Friday, August 3, 2018, at 10am, held at St. Jude's Parish in Marina, followed by the burial, with Military Funeral Honors, at Mission Memorial Park. A celebration of Dominador's life will be held at St. Jude's adjoining Parish Hall. 
Dad, you are loved, always.