Obituary of Francis Aquinaldo

CSM Francis Aquinaldo, (U.S. ARMY, Ret.), 93 years young, of Leesville, Louisiana was reassigned on October 15, 2018 to report for his final Tour of Duty in Heaven, after a peaceful passing in Hollister, California.  Francis, was born September 16, 1925 in Laoag, Ilocus Norte, Philippine Islands. At a very young age, his family relocated to Hilo, Hawaii where he spent his formative years with his parents, brothers and sisters, and extended family.  In April 1945 he married the love of his life, Mary.  Together they led an amazing and adventurous life in duty stations around the world while raising two wonderful boys, Glenn and Wayne.  Francis, with great pride and honor, served his country and his fellow soldiers and colleagues.   Francis fought valiantly for our Country in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Over the course of his illustrious military career he was highly decorated and received many commendations and medals.   True to his humble upbringing and disposition, he never spoke of his many commendations or the many ways in which he served his country until his final months of life.   In 1975, Francis retired in Leesville (Fort Polk), Louisiana after 32 years of distinguished service.  He will be remembered for many years to come for his patriotism and his love for his wife and his Ohana. 

Francis was preceded in death by his parents Teodoro Sr and Agatona (Miquel) Villanueva, his younger brothers and sisters Victoria Villanueva Abasial, Leoncio “Toy” Villanueva, Kalvin “Muso” Villanueva, and his youngest son, Wayne Aquinaldo. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 73 years, Mary Blaquera Aquinaldo; son and daughter-in-law Glenn J. and Karen Aquinaldo of Salinas, California; daughter-in-law, Peggy Aquinaldo of Savannah, Texas.  He is also survived by his brothers, Teodoro “Ted” and his wife, Lee, Villanueva of Lakewood, WA; Benjamin “Ben” and his wife, Michiko, Villanueva of Victorville, CA; and his sisters, Pacita Villanueva Oasay of South San Francisco, CA; Norma “Hachi” and her husband Peter Hacsi, Kula Maui, HI.  Francis is also survived by numerous loving and caring nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

At Francis’ request a celebration of his life and scattering of ashes in Hilo, Hawaii will be held at date to be determined later.  The family is grateful for assistance provided by Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family also wishes to personal and heartfelt “Mahalo” to Jerry and Felicidad Kankelborg of Clearview Care Home, along with their care staff, and Bridge Hospice, for the care, kindness and service to Francis and Mary.  We are eternally grateful.

Aloha | [əˈlōˌhä]) – a word commonly used to say hello, goodbye, and I love you.  It is also used to convey love, affection, peace, sympathy, pity, kindness, mercy, and compassion.  So, in the Spirit of Aloha, the family invites friends and family who knew, loved, and respected Francis to please, pause a moment today to share a photo, story or anecdote in his honor on this website.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 20th, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home.