On January 21, 2021, our beloved Leonido Begonia passed away. We set up a feeding program at Popantay Elementary School on January 31, 2021 using the donations provided in his memory.
Leonido was born on January 27, 1945, in Alaminos, Philippines, the son of the late Alejandro and Brigida(Rabot) Begonia. Leonido was an only child, but grew up with many cousins that were like brothers and sisters to him. He grew up in the Alaminos area where he attended local schools and eventually graduated from De La Salle Araneta University with a degree in agriculture. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1966 where he honorably served in the Vietnam War before being stationed in the United States. Leonido met Claudette on a blind date in Portland, Maine where he was stationed and on December 27, 1969, they married in St. Patrick’s Church and shared 50 years together.
In 1971 Leonido received his U.S. citizenship. He had an honorable and distinguished career in the United States Coast Guard and eventually became a Senior Chief, serving all around the country at numerous stations.
When he wasn’t cooking, he was usually traveling to visit his children, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, spending time at Sebago Lake State Park, visiting with friends and family at reunions, walking the mall, and shopping of course. His children will remember him as a strict but supportive father and inspiring and strong man who was a two-time cancer survivor that was entering his eighth year of remission. He was always giving back to others, especially to his Alaminos community and schools where he grew up.
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