In Loving Memory of Francisco Geronimo

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Francisco carried with him throughout his life the values of family, hard work, humility, and perseverance.

Francisco “Gerry, Pacquito” Geronimo, lovingly known as papa or pop to his kids and grandkids, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, veteran, public servant, barber, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026 at the age of 80.

Born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines, Francisco carried with him throughout his life the values of family, hard work, humility, and perseverance. His journey eventually brought him to the United States, where he built a life devoted to service, family, and helping others.

In 1970, Francisco joined the United States Navy, beginning a distinguished 21 year military career. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam era and achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class (PO1). For two decades, he served alongside his fellow sailors with dedication, discipline, courage, and pride. After 21 years of honorable service, he retired from the Navy in 1991.

But Francisco's commitment to serving others did not end with his military career.

He went on to dedicate another 15 years of his life as a California Correctional Officer, serving his community with the same sense of duty and responsibility that had guided him throughout his Navy career. After decades devoted to public service, Francisco retired once again, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of dedication to his country and his community.

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Francisco lived a life defined by hard work, service to his community and country, love, and pride in taking care of those around him.

Yet beyond his uniforms, titles, and careers, Francisco had another passion that remained with him throughout his life: cutting hair.

Francisco was a barber by trade and a barber at heart. Cutting hair was more than simply a job—it was his hobby, his passion, and one of the ways he connected with people. He could often be found behind a barber chair, taking pride in his craft. His love for barbering remained a meaningful part of his identity throughout his life.

Above all, Francisco was a family man.

He was a loving father to his four children; Sheila, Gerry, Hazel, and Joyce. A proud grandfather to his ten grandchildren. Francisco was so devoted to his family that he raised his grandson, Christian, as his own. He is also survived by his three brothers and two sisters, partner Shirley, along with extended family, his McDonalds barkada and many friends whose lives he touched throughout the years. Francisco is preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Sheila.

Francisco's life was a remarkable journey—from humble beginnings in Quezon City, Philippines, to a new life in America; from a young sailor to a Vietnam-era veteran and Navy Petty Officer First Class; from military service to 15 years as a California Correctional Officer.

His greatest legacy, however, will not be measured by the years he served or the titles he held. It will live on through his children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

He leaves behind the lessons he taught, the people he helped, the stories he shared, the countless haircuts he gave, and the memories that will remain with his family forever.

Francisco lived a life defined by hard work, service to his community and country, love, and pride in taking care of those around him.

After a lifetime of service, sacrifice, hard work, and love, he can finally rest.

Fair winds and following seas, Petty Officer.

Your watch is over. Your duty is complete. May you rest peacefully, knowing that the life you built, the family you loved, and the people you touched will carry your memory forward forever.

Rest in peace, Francisco Geronimo. You served your country. You served your community. And most importantly, you loved your family

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• A Viewing will be held for Francisco C. Geronimo on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home; 524 Elmira Road, Vacaville, California.

• Funeral Mass to be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 9:30 A.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church; 350 Stinson Avenue, Vacaville, California.

• A Graveside Service with Military Honors to follow on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery; 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California.