Manuel Daog - A Soldier's Journey Home!
Manuel Daog, SFC, US Army, was born on February 12, 1929 in Hilo Hawaii. He was the fourth of five children. His parents Benita and Benito Daog came to Hawaii from Cebu, Philippines.
Manuel grew up on Piopio Street in Hilo, attending Hilo High School where he met his wife of 62 years, Nina Hondonero (Barro) of Naalehu. Nina and Manuel were married at St. Joseph’s church on February 12, 1949. During his military career of over 22 years, Manuel and Nina celebrated the births of daughter Rose Marie, son Michael, and daughter Sandi.
While in the service of our country, Manuel received the following awards: Combat Infantryman Badge, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with first Oak Leaf Cluster for two tours of duty in Korea, United Nations Service Medal for service in Korea, 5 Good Conduct Medals, Army Commendation Medal for sustained heroic or meritorious service.
Manuel’s military overseas tours included two tours in Korea and a tour in France. He also completed assignments in Virginia, Washington State, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.
After his distinguished US Army career he worked as an insurance adjuster in Chicago, IL and Miami, FL, settling in Miami in 1970 where he and Nina lived since. After retiring from insurance adjusting, he worked with a friend in an injection molding business.
He fully retired to care for his wife Nina who suffered with Alzhiemers for 12 years before passing on March 3, 2011. Since her passing he lived in Miami and Orlando, FL, spending time with Mike’s family and Sandi’s family.
He enjoyed fishing, playing poker, attending military reunions, and celebrating family and friends. He greatly valued these important relationships. On September 19, 2019 he came home to attend the Old Soldiers of Hawaii (OSH) Reunion on the weekend, which he was unable to attend. This became his final trip home, passing while in the care of Pōhai Mālama on October 7, 2019 surrounded by the love of his immediate and extended family.
He is predeceased by his wife Nina; parents Benita and Benito Daog; and siblings Lorita Alidon, Consuelo Daog, Agnes De Mattos and Salvadore Daog.
He is survived by his daughter, Rose Marie Daog Yuhas, of Los Angeles, CA; his son, Michael (Diana) Daog of Miami Gardens, FL; and his daughter Sandi (Kevin) Hagan of Maitland, FL; five grandchildren, Johnmichael, Jonanthony and Johnnpaul, children of son Michael and Diana; James and Taylor, children of Sandi and Kevin.
He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.