Uldarico Abad Peñaranda, Sr

Uldarico's distinguished career was one of honor and dedication as he proudly served the U.S. Navy s on both land and overseas. Storkeeper Chief Petty Officer Uldarico served in USS MIDWAY (CV-41) during the Vietnam War.  He was responsible for ensuring all supplies were ordered, received, and used for all personnel aboard the ship.  His position was critical to everyone aboard.

Uldarico Abad Peñaranda was born on July 4, 1932, in San Miguel, Nabua, Camarines Sur, Philippines - to Ambrosia Abad and Luciano Peñaranda.

Uldarico, fondly called “Ric,” is the eldest brother to sisters Aurora, Nita, and brother Jose.

Memories of his childhood stem from walking to school without shoes to going into hiding during the Japanese war. He attended Nabua Elementary School and Nabua High School.

His life soon intertwined with that of Trinidad Saraspi. Ric was in his 4th year of high school and Trinidad was in her 2nd year high school. It was love at first sight. Ric went up to Trinidad and asked,  “Can I talk to you?” Trinidad then replied, “About what?” From then on… the pursuit of her heart had commenced!

Ric joined the U.S. Navy in December 1955 and told Trinidad, “I’ll marry you when I come back.” When he came back from deployment, he fended off the competition of Trinidad’s many suitors and married her. Ric and Trinidad were married in January 1960. Nine months later, they welcomed their first child, their daughter Marietes. Throughout the next 18 years, Ric and Trinidad moved to various places and had six additional children: Joseph, Uldarico Jr., Perfrancis, Ruth, Rex, and Grace. The family then moved to San Diego, CA in 1978.

After serving 26 years as a steward and then a storekeeper in the U.S. Navy, with service during the Cold War and Vietnam War, Ric honorably retired with the rank of Chief in 1982 with these notable medals and ribbons:

·      Humanitarian Service Medal

·      6 Good Conduct Medals

·      Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

·      Combat Action Ribbon

·      Meritorious Unit Commendation

·      National Defense Service Medal

·      Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars

·      Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

Ric then entered the world of civil service and civilian life. Throughout those years, he immersed himself into both the Filipino and American cultures.

He joined San Diego organizations that brought Filipinos together that were from the same region in the Philippines. First was the Bicol Club of San Diego County. Then the Nabueños of Southern California, in which he served as Vice President then President, respectively, for several years.

He was an entrepreneur and multi-property owner. He was even on the game show “The Price is Right.” He got as far as Contestants Row and had a great conversation with the late Bob Barker!

Ric is a dreamer and a doer. He fulfilled his dream of adventures by joining the U.S. Navy, his dream of marrying the most beautiful woman he had laid his eyes on, and his dream of providing his family with opportunities that he knew they could not get in the Philippines.

He continues to fulfill his dream of living life to the fullest at the youthful age of 92. He enjoys time with his family, his sons- and daughters-in-laws, 9 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. He enjoys his travels. And most importantly, he keeps himself young and energetic by walking every day and dancing away at the dance halls. Ric is proud to live the life he has and at 92 years young, he is still counting the years!