Romeo Morante

Anchorage resident Romeo Paredes Morante, 82, died April 24, 2011, at his residence surrounded by his family and loved ones.

A funeral Mass will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 440 E. Klatt Road, with the Rev. Ben Torreto celebrating. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Army. A viewing and reception will follow the service at the funeral home, where friends can gather until 6 p.m.

Romeo was born May 18, 1928, in Imus, Cavite, Philippines, to the late Hilarion and Socorro Morante. He was a Philippine Scout under the U.S. Army during World War II. Romeo was a member of the Catholic Church and the El Shaddai group. He enjoyed gardening, cooking and spending time with his grandchildren.

His family said: "Romeo was a generous person and a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He always reminded us to strive harder in order to be successful in life, and to let the Lord be the center of our lives. He will be loved and missed by his family, relatives and friends. We wish to give a special thanks to Dr. Jeremy Gitomer, Regina and his staff, Dr. Eric Miknich and Dr. Mary Ann Foland at Primary Care Associates, Dr. Andre Godet and Dr. Mary Downs."

Romeo is survived by his wife of 46 years, Leoncia G. Morante of Anchorage; son and daughter-in-law, Mario and Jacqueline Morante of Anchorage; daughters and sons-in-law, Elena M. and Mario Melgar, and Corie M. and Scott Larson, all of Anchorage; son and daughter-in-law, Gregorio and Carolina Morante of the Philippines; grandchildren, Marielle Morante and Marylynn Morante, both of Anchorage, Eric Morante of New Jersey, Marel John Melgar, Marley Jacob Melgar and Adriann M. Licerdale, all of Anchorage, and Carlo Morante of the Philippines; brother, Efren Morante of Canada; and sisters, Hortencia Kamantigue of Henderson, Nev., and Marietta Tejada of Imus, Cavite Philippines.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory: www.akheritage.com