To Celebrate a Life of Love: Captain Dominador L. Soriano
May 4, 1916 – July 31, 2017
Captain Dominador L. Soriano (Dom as he was fondly called), U.S. Army, Infantry Division, passed away Monday, July 31, 2017. He was 101 years old. He was born May 4, 1916 in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patrocinia J. Soriano, whom he was married for over 63 years, baby son, Oscar Soriano, and great-grandsons Brendon Higuchi and Roman Haverly. He is survived by his 11 children, 41 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandsons.
In 1938, Dom was a 20-year-old draftee, and in June 1939, he was commissioned as captain for the Reserve Force, Philippine Army for the duration of the war and 6 mos. thereafter. On September 1, 1941, he was inducted in the USAFFE (United States Army Forces, Far East) as a 2nd Lt. and served as Commander of E.CO.83rd Infantry Regiment. In 1942, he was wounded in action in Cebu (Pacific Theatre), Philippines, and after the USAFFE capitulation, he helped organize a “guerilla unit” called the Blue Force, which joined the Liberation Army and fought until the surrender of Supreme Japanese Army General Yamashita. In July 1944, he was arrested and tortured by the Japanese at Manaoag, Pangasinan, Philippines. He was honorably discharged from the Philippines Army in May 1946. In July 1946, he was commissioned as 2nd Lt. in the United States Army and participated on the “Victory Parade” in Luneta Park, Manila, Philippines. He served the United States Army until 1948.
In 1949, Dom graduated from the Philippine Law School using his GI Bill benefits and became a lawyer in 1950. In 1952, he assisted in organizing the Veterans Federation of the Philippines under President Magsaysay. He became a member of the Executive Board, in which he represented the Philippines Scouts. He earned a scholarship and attended Harvard University specializing in Labor Union. He became involved in the Philippines Labor Movement and entered politics. He was elected City Councilor in 1963. He immigrated to California in 1974. In 2016, he attended San Antonio’s City Council Chambers for the City Resolution recognizing the heroic act of WWII, Filipino and American veterans. He became the Filipino community’s voice and champion in “Military City USA”. He eventually witnessed the enactment of Public Law 114-265 – “To award a Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the Filipino Veterans of WWII, in recognition of their dedicated service during the war”.
Dom Soriano was very active in his Church’s ministries such as being a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #15240, the Mobile Loaves and Fishes (he was assigned to count 125 snack bags of potato chips and 125 bags of bit size carrot sticks during food preparation, and he has his own personal bin of condiments [mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper] to pack into 200 snack size plastic bags), and the Silver Stars (he loved dancing even though he was wheelchair bound). He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Dom Soriano was truly a devoted Christian, family-man, a great warrior, patriot, and loved his countrymen.
SERVICES
Visitation will begin at 6:00 P.M. with a Vigil Service/Rosary to begin at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78230. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 beginning at 10:00 A.M. with the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Road, San Antonio, Texas 78249. A reception will follow at the Henke Hall at the Church from 12:15 P.M. – 1:45 P.M. A procession will depart the Church at 1:45 P.M. for an Interment with Military Honors at 2:30 P.M. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dom Soriano’s memory may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; contribution cards will be available at the Vigil Service/Rosary on Tuesday, and at the Church on Wednesday.