Vicente Dicion Gante's Obituary
Vicente Gante Obituary
The Life of Vicente Gante
Vicente “Vic” Dicion Gante, a beacon of unconventional wisdom, faith, and love, completed his earthly journey on December 30, 2024, in the serene surrounds of Honolulu, Hawaii. His 83 years of life were marked by a profound dedication to family, service, and the pursuit of excellence.
Born in the early 1940s in Barangay Santa Barbara, Llanera, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Vic began his tale as a symbol of hope and strength in the face of adversity. He was the eighth of thirteen siblings, 7 boys & 6 girls. As a young boy, Vic’s enterprising spirit & determined work ethic began when he sold magazines and pandesal in the early morning hours on the streets of Nueva Ecija, Luzon, to help provide for his family’s needs. He continued to help his eldest brother, cooking for the workers in Manila. He was the self-described “favorite” of his mother and found himself at odds with his siblings because of this perceived treatment, though not of his own doing.
He enlisted in the Philippine Army after graduating high school and excelled as a sharpshooter. At 22, he became the first of his siblings to leave his hometown when he was recruited by the United States Navy to serve as a Culinary Arts Specialist in San Diego, California. Although he wasn't passionate about education as a young man, he persistently pursued it as an adult, which fostered a lifelong dedication to continuous learning and personal growth. He began with Liberal Arts coursework at the College of the Republic (now Gateway College) in San Jose City, followed by specialized technical training at institutions like Norfolk Vocational School and the Central Institute of Technology. Through this education, he expanded upon & achieved his goal to refine skills in automotive mechanics. The satisfaction he found in this trade eventually led to a passion for building and repairing bikes, then entering and sponsoring cycling races that touched many lives.
A proud U.S. Navy Veteran, Vic served his country with honor and distinction from August 1963 to August 1984. His roles allowed him to showcase both culinary talents and leadership abilities, as he oversaw naval base dining facilities that provided exceptional service to his fellow sailors and at times, high-ranking officials, including Admiral Rickover, Father of the US Navy Nuclear Submarine Fleet. His hard work and attention to detail on the USS Emory S. Land contributed to his ship receiving the Captain Ney Award recognizing it as a five-star galley. He also received multiple letters of appreciation & commendation during his Navy career.
Vic continued his pursuit of the American dream as an entrepreneur alongside wife, Zenaida “Tessie” Gante, [1] RN, purchasing and managing residential and commercial properties in Norfolk, Virginia. After retiring from the military, he used his mechanical expertise as a Sandblaster and Mechanic at Schofield Barracks. Each endeavor Vic undertook was done with passion and meticulous attention to detail.
His love for civic engagement began in both the American and Filipino communities. He served in the Filipino Action Coalition of Tidewater, the United Council of Filipino Organizations of Tidewater, and Brigadoon Civic League of Virginia Beach while still on active duty military service. His spiritual leadership service began on November 14, 1993 when he answered the Lord’s calling to minister as an ordained deacon for Mililani Baptist Church which led to his service as a founding member of Mililani Fil-Am Baptist Church. The spiritual journey continued with his service to others through mission work locally and internationally, spurring his desire to partner with God to reach his hometown in the Philippines. This calling resulted in the building & establishment of the Santa Barbara Christian Fellowship Baptist Church, the Lifestyle Mission Center and the Gante Family Legacy Foundation. His legacy continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for all.
Love for God and family galvanized every action he took. His beloved wife stood by his side as a tireless partner and confidante. Their shared life was the source of cherished memories with their children: daughter, Jennifer Gante Gonzaga (husband Mario), daughter Grace Gante Hunt (husband Kevin), and son Vincent Julius Romualdo Gante; his grandchildren: Julianne, Jayson, Joshua, Sierra (husband Jesus), and Elijah (wife Meadow), and great-grandchildren Malachi and Caleb.
Hosting family gatherings was an important part of his legacy as a peacekeeper within his clan. The warmth of his home and the laughter that filled the spaces he created are unforgettable. His generous & warm hospitality was a demonstration of his mantra, "No casta? Ok ngarud." meaning “Is that so? Ok, I’ll agree with that.” It was without a doubt that family members & those who loved him, may not have always agreed with each other. But his attitude & approach to life that one can agree to disagree was a shining example of his maturity, wisdom & love. His life continues to inspire all to remain optimistic in the face of life's challenges.
Vicente “Vic” Dicion Gante's life was a tapestry of meaningful relationships, love and sincere forgiveness, and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world as a reflection of God’s character. He leaves behind a legacy of aloha, leadership and the profound impact of a life well-lived. It is through emulating his indomitable spirit that we may all aspire to live such joyful lives of dedication that ultimately glorify God.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Mililani Mortuary Makai Chapel. Visitation begins at 8:15 am and service will begin at 10:00 am after the burial at 9:00 am at Mililani Memorial Park Cemetery.
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