Danilo (Danny) V Flores

Danny Flores exemplified the word serviceman. He crossed an ocean to serve this country, his family and a big network of friends throughout his life. Anyone who knew him — as “mahal,” dad, kuya, tito, uncle, ninong, lolo or grandpa — was helped by him in one way or another at some point. He didn’t ask for anything in return, and the many people he served or helped will forever remember his quiet selflessness.
Jose Danilo Flores was born on Nov. 9, 1945 in Pagsanjan, Laguna, Philippines. A chance encounter led him to join the U.S. Navy in October 1968. He was first stationed in San Diego, then Great Lakes, Ill.; Alameda, Calif.; Bremerton, Wash.; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Mare Island in Vallejo, Calif., the city where he eventually settled with his family. He died Feb. 13, 2026 at Kaiser in Vallejo after a short illness. 
Danny was in Illinois when he saw a photo of Dolly Sumagaysay at a party, who was then living in neighboring Indiana. He resolved to meet the beauty with the long, flowing hair. The two became penpals and within a couple of years got married in their native Philippines. When they returned to the United States, there were periods when they became penpals again as Danny continued his service, working as a machinist mate. Danny served on the USS King, the USS Enterprise in Vietnam, the USS Coral Sea and the USS Pyro until his retirement from the Navy in April 1990 as Petty Officer First Class.
He then went on to hold jobs at Shell refinery, SEACOR and the U.S. Department of Transportation, where he helped maintain reserve, or “mothball,” ships. After he retired from those jobs, he got to work again: on the biggest and best garden in Vallejo, located in his family’s own backyard. Besides his one and only daughter, Donna, his plants and flowers were his pride and joy.
Danny is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dolly; daughter Donna (Steve); siblings Generoso, Dario, Armando, Ellenita and Pablito
Flores; and many nephews, nieces and the extended Sumagaysay family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Juana Flores, and siblings Norinda Marqueses and Oscar, Merlinda, Rosauro and Roberto Flores.