Florentino P. Dato-On

Florentino P. Dato-on, 89, born on March 14, 1923, in Pototan, Iloilo, Philippines, passed away September 15, 2012. He resided in Westminster, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.


Col. Florentino P. Dato-on (Ret)
March 14, 1923 – September 15, 2012
His dream was to become a pilot. But it was his literary and administrative skills that led him to gain favor with the Generals in the Philippine Air Force, writing their letters and speeches, and coordinating work as the assistant to the Commanding General. After 30 years of service, he retired as Colonel in 1976.
Born in Pototan, Iloilo (Philippines) on March 14, 1923, Florentino, or "Flor" as everyone fondly calls him, is the eldest of ten children. When the war broke in 1941, he served as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, in the service of the United States Armed Forces, to fight for his country. After being honorably discharged in 1946, he enlisted in the Philippine Air Force.
As a young soldier, he rented a room near the military base. There he fell in love with his landlady's daughter – her name was Belen De Jesus. It was a beautiful courtship/romance that led to their marriage on December 27, 1952. They were blessed with four children – Susan, Daniel, Florentino Jr., and Dindo.
After retiring from the Air Force, he became Vice President of Personnel at Air Manila, a domestic airline in the Philippines. Belen (also known as Bels), though, always dreamed of migrating to the US, so the children can have a better education and future. She left in 1976, ahead of the family, the children followed in 1977, and after much convincing, Flor eventually joined the family in 1978.
He started working as an editor/proof-reader of the Orange County Register, a daily newspaper based in Santa Ana CA. Then he worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles as a Licensing-Registration Examiner. He retired in 1998, and for the remaining years enjoyed traveling with his wife, and the blessings of having 12 grandchildren. He is also an active member and leader in several Filipino organizations: RAFPO-USA, Knights of Columbus, Filipino Catholic Rosary Group, and St. Barbara Church Choir.
Flor is an avid reader – he can sit for hours just reading daily newspaper, Reader's Digest, and whatever he can get his hands on. He loves to sing and also is a great dancer – usually on weekends, he and Bels would be dancing at parties with their compadres and comadres. In his spare time, Flor enjoys playing a round of golf. He is also a die-hard fan of the Lakers, like his wife. And he loves to watch boxing matches on TV – even making loud grunts with every punch the boxer makes.
He lived a long full life. To some he may seem very soft-spoken, but deep within he has very strong convictions. He lived a life of integrity, never compromising on his basic beliefs of: God first, family second, and career last. He is survived by his wife, 4 children, and 12 grandchildren: Joey, David, Vincent, Veronica, Valerie, Anthony, Jenna, Katelyn, Matthew, Devra, Dariel, and DeAnne.