Aniceto David Mercado

Aniceto David Mercado, age 88, passed peacefully from this life surrounded by his loving family on September 5, 2021. Beloved husband of fifty-one years to the late Remedios Ferreras Mercado. He was born in Porac, Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines. His father worked as a sugar cane grinder and his mother was a homemaker raising eleven children. He enlisted in the United States Navy after graduating high school. He proudly served 30 years achieving the rank of DKCM Master Chief Petty Officer along with several citations, medals and awards - Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Eighth Good Conduct Award. He inspired others with his strong work ethic and leadership skills throughout his military career. He was a devoted family man taking on the role of patriarch after the passing of his father. He believed in the value of education — assisted and supported several relatives in the Philippines to pursue their own education and even sponsored them to becoming a permanent U.S. resident. He believed in honor and integrity. No promise or undertaking was beyond his reach — “You can count on Uncle Cet“ and “He’s a man of his word” were often spoken of him. He believed in kindness and service to others — graciously offered his time, talents and guidance to help countless over the years. He served his community as an active member in local cultural and church groups — notably a lifelong member and Former President of the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola and a time-honored parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at Saint Mary Catholic Church, Pensacola, since 1972. He remained active after his retirement — enjoying the outdoors and working in his garden. His love for his garden reflects how he lived his life. His rewards for gardening and in living are not measured in time nor in money; the reward is simply found in love. He cultivated and cared for his garden just as he did for his relationships with those he loved — with patience, wisdom and goodness. As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death ~ Leonardo da Vinci He is survived by his loving wife, Teresita; his six children, Danny, Elsa (Jim), Freda (Alex), Oliver, Victor and Alma; his three step-children, Reylyn, Rey Anne and Rey Mark; his grandchildren, Christopher (Annie), Anthony, Allan (Rachael), Daniel, Tawny (Drew), Aleena (Sophear), Anna (Kevin), Aleki, Christina, Mya, Alexander, Victoria, Grace, Nathaniel, Matthew; his step-grandchildren, Tristan, Tyron, Toby, Eunice, Zian Louise and Zain Lucas; his great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jordan, Madeline, Penelope, Cadence, Alyssa, Isaiah, Kinsley, Liam, Kylinn, Calvin, Kane and Mavrick. He is also survived by his siblings, Herminio (Librada) and Juanito (Irma). He was preceded in death by his first wife, Remy, and their son, Alan; his step-son, Rey Lon; his father, Teodoro; his mother, Fausta; and his siblings, Arcadia, Virginia (Julio), Julia (Francisco), Pantaleon (Lurig), Rosalina (Pascual), Florencia (Benjamin), Benigno (Victoria) and Elizardo (Julieta). The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to all those who have given their love and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions sent to Saint Mary Catholic Church, 401 Van Pelt Lane, Pensacola, Florida 32505 would be graciously appreciated. Final arrangements and services were held in the Philippines on Friday, September 10, 2021.

Tributes

Aniceto David Mercado

April 17, 1933 - September 5, 2021