Melardo O. Mina, 92, formerly of Moline, went home to the Lord April 12, 2021 surrounded by his family.
Melardo was born June 8th, 1928 in Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines to Angel and Magdalena (Oiga) Mina. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a housewife. He married Elesia Ochavez on December 4th, 1950. They were married for almost 60 years before her passing in 2010.
He was a graduate of Manila Central University and Technological Institute of the Philippines Manila. Seeking a better life for his family, he immigrated to the United States in 1975 a few years after the birth of their only child Melsie. He retired as an auditor for the IL. Dept. of Employment Security.
Melardo was a quiet man with a strong Catholic faith. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Moline before moving to Corpus Christi in Galesburg. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and camping with his wife and daughter and visiting family. He devoted the last few years of his life to the joy of his only granddaughter Maya. They spent many hours playing together.
He is survived by his daughter and son in law Melsie (Mike) Anderson and granddaughter Maya of Galesburg, Illinois; sisters and brother-in-law Consolacion (Villiamor)Tobias and Purificasion Navalta of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; cousin Maria Lilia Oduca of Galesburg, Illinois. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends from United States, Canada, Philippines and around the world. All will miss his sweet gentle soul.
He was preceded in death by his parents Angel and Magdalena Mina and wife Elesia Mina.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2021 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with the rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg. Father James Pallardy will officiate. Those wishing to attend the funeral mass virtually may log on to www.watsonthomas.com. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Moline. Memorials may be made to the family for an education fund for Maya. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
