David Tolentino Dalaten's Obituary
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the David Dalaten’s Memorial Fund (venmo @G-Dalaten or gofundme).
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of David T. Dalaten, age 40, on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. David was born in August of 1980 to Oscar and Luningning “Lu” Dalaten. He was a native San Diegan who met and married his beautiful wife, Geraldine “Ginger” Liganor here; together they started their own cherished family, with son Xavier and daughter Harmony, in his hometown.
David was first and foremost a family man, a beloved son to Lu, and a sweet brother to his sisters. We know him as a dedicated, kind, and fun-loving father to his children, who filled him with as much pride, joy, and laughter as he hoped he gave them. He loved being married to Ginger, whom he described as his complete soulmate. With her by his side, he was an “all-in” father, committed to making his family and home a piece of heaven on earth. Whether helping with schoolwork, enjoying sports and hobbies, or dressing up in Halloween costumes, David’s focus was to be fully present and open every moment with his children and wife. They were the richest part of his world and he strove to enrich theirs.
His outgoing and joyful nature helped David build significant bonds with exceptional friends. From Holy Family Catholic School, Mira Mesa High School, 220, to San Diego State University, people were drawn to David, and he stayed connected with friends through all of life’s changes. His humor and laughter were infectious. Together they enjoyed Friendsgivings, trips to Vegas, and many get togethers. Even across distance and time, David made sure his people knew he enjoyed and cared for them. He truly loved all of his friends.
David would jokingly confess he wasn’t a natural student but he had ambition and perseverance. With great pride, he graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Sociology, and from San Diego Mesa College with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
His drive and empathy for others helped David grow in his career. He was a Worker’s Compensation Specialist at Marsh & McLennan since February 2014. He really enjoyed this work and was so proud to be part of a prestigious company. Prior to that, he worked in the fields of worker’s compensation and insurance at AIG and commercial real estate and loan documentation at U.S. Bank.
David is survived by his wife, Geraldine; his children, Xavier and Harmony; his mother Luningning; and his sisters Theresa Talplacido and Carmen Wilson. He was a kind and welcoming brother-in-law to Theresa’s wife, LeAnne J. Fossmeyer, and Carmen’s husband, Gerald H. Wilson, and beloved uncle to Halle T. Wilson and Henry D.T. Wilson. David was a godchild of Luci Lagrimas, and cousin to the Lagrimas family, Noly, Norma, Jenny, Jeffrey, Jaysen, Christopher and Connie Kay. His extended family includes the Libreas, Tolentinos, and Dalatens, in the U.S. and Philippines, and his two beloved dogs, Scarlett and Solo.
David was also a loving member of the Liganor family, Arnel Liganor, father-in-law, and Yoli Liganor, mother-in-law. He was the brother-in-law to Roselle, Aileene, and Nathan. He would want to acknowledge all of his extended Liganor family with their many uncles, aunties, cousins and cousin’s children with whom he spent holidays, birthdays, and shared so many wonderful memories. Being a part of the Liganor family taught him to be a better husband and father.
All who loved him will never forget his joyfulness, loyalty, humor, and charm. We felt his love and caring for us no matter the distance or circumstance. We were blessed to have this special man in our lives and we’ll mourn his loss for the remainder of our own.
Rest in peace, dear brother.
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