Loreto Alquiza

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Loreto Saldivar Alquiza, 86, passed away quietly and in peace at his home surrounded by his family on June 26, 2026. Born on December 10, 1939, Loreto was the eldest of 4 and the last surviving of his siblings, and the eldest son of Marcelo A. Alquiza and Alejandra S. Alquiza. He married May Espiritu Aquino on February 14, 1970. He had 3 children, Marlo, Caroline, and Neal Alquiza. He was able to live the American Dream through many sacrifices and hard work by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served primarily as a cook and earned a Purple Heart while serving during the Vietnam War. During his service in the Navy, he was stationed in Long Beach, CA; then Key West, FL; and South Carolina, before returning to Long Beach, CA, where he retired after 21 years of service. Because of his sacrifices, he was able to help bring many of our current relatives from both his side of the family and those of his wife’s side of the family to the U.S. After retiring from the Navy, he also worked for the Long Beach Unified School District while also trying out his hand at business selling Japanese Imports for awhile and then clothing items such as T-shirts, sweat shirts, and sweat pants for a few years. He was always fond of animals and spoke often of always being interested in becoming a Veterinarian when he was younger. He later came to love cooking and often had thoughts of trying to open up a restaurant or some kind of food-related business. Though none of those came to realization, he would often enjoy cooking for parties, especially for the many family parties we had throughout the years. He often looked forward to the Holidays when he could also prepare large meals for family and friends, and he was often asked for help when it came to butchering a goat or pig for an event or just to help out with another big party! He will often be remembered for his generosity and kindness, often giving more than he could really afford and often never really getting repaid. Loreto was able to travel around the world through his time with the Navy, and in his later years, spent a lot of time visiting family and friends in the Philippines, especially in his hometown of Salindeg, Vigan, Ilocos del Sur, and also Davao del Sur, the place of his daughter-in-law, Margo Alquiza, and where his grandchildren studied and graduated college. He is survived by his wife, 3 children, and 2 grandchildren, Trinity and Jett Alquiza. He resided in Lakewood, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA.