Diego Tenorio

Diego "Dick" Tenorio (87), resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 7, 2024. Due to complications from post-open-heart surgery to repair a failed heart valve, the Lord graciously called him home for his eternal rest.

Diego was born in Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands to Calisto and Luise Tenorio, and brother to Lillian, Cynthia, Elisa, and Thomas.

Dick was a proud retired veteran, serving 21 years in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant, 1st Class. He served two tours of combat in the Korean and Vietnam wars, was stationed at various military bases around the world, and finished his active duty as an Armed Forces recruiter in Long Beach, Calif. He was fortunate to continue his distinguished military career as a DOD Civil Service Supervisor of Operations at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach for 21 years until his retirement in 2003.

Diego raised his family in Westminster, Calif. with his first wife Mary, and four children where they hosted annual Chamorro family barbecues and celebrations for decades.

Diego is preceded in death by his first wife of 53 years, Mary (2015), youngest son, Robert (2022), and younger siblings Thomas (2022), and Elisa (2023). He's survived by his 2nd wife Fern, his sons Gregory (Sheri) and Richard (Gayle), daughters Suzi Vitulli (Mitch), and Rebecca Bowman (Will, preceded in death, 2021), step-children Dawn and James, grandchildren Ryan, Forrest, Brandon, Sundai, William and Cailin; step-grandsons Tyler and Alex, many great and step-great-grandchildren, and his siblings, Lillian of San Diego, and Cynthia of Guam.

Affectionately known as Papa to many, he was a great mentor when it came to art, crafts and music; natural gifts he passed down to his children and grandchildren. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family and was a great friend to many! He was a proud Chamorro who loved his island heritage and culture, expressing it in music playing the piano and ukulele. He loved fishing, he was a master chef and culinary wizard in the kitchen and on the grill, spoke countless different languages, a devout Catholic, and a member of The Knights of Columbus, but his love was shown through the homemade crafts of his island culture, which he would always give away to family and friends.