Gil Damaso Domingo

In Visalia, on November 4, 2021, Gil D. Domingo, age 75, of Porterville passed away peacefully three weeks after being diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. His wife and family remained steadfast by his side.
Gil was born on September 1, 1946 to Eufronio Domingo and Macaria Damaso Domingo dela Cruz in Licab, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. There he attended Licab Elementary School and St. Christopher High School. His boyhood life focused on sacristan/altar boy duties as well as working the family’s rice fields and a variety of the family’s business interests. In 1961, he attended The University of the East in Manila, where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1966.
In July 1967, Gil came to the United States, at the behest of his aunt, in pursuit of a better life. Starting anew in a different country was not what he expected, but he was determined to make something of himself with persistence and hard work. For two years, Gil worked in a variety of agriculture jobs.
In 1967, he met Louisa who would become his wife in 1969, a marriage that would span 52 years. They enjoyed visiting Asia, Europe, Mexico, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Canada, and many destinations within the United States. They both were active and passionate in their Catholic faith, always participating in church events and fundraisers; committees or assisted in whatever the church required. Gil’s second passion was for the game of golf. He had that ability to make many friends and business acquaintances on the course.
In 1969, Gil worked as an order editor at Rockwell Manufacturing Company until the company closed in 1972. He then went to work at General Tire Company as an outside salesman and then as an office manager until he decided in 1980 to purchase Holt Tire on Main Street and renamed it Porterville Tire & Recapping Center, Inc. In 1996, Gil built a second store at the corner of Westwood St. and Olive Ave., consolidating the Main Street store at this new location. He also briefly opened another Porterville Tire company in Hanford. Gil continued his business at the Westwood store until he retired and sold the business in 2013 to TF Tire.
Although Gil credits his successful business venture to his loyal customers and his employees, he rarely spoke of his own hardships when he first came to this country and his penchant toward good work ethics, being successful at whatever you do and to never lose sight of your goals in life.
Over the years, Gil had been active in the community, supporting many organizations and events. Because he liked to keep a low profile, the community may not know that Gil was active in the Filipino-American organizations, St. Anne’s Parish, Knights of Columbus Council #2329, St. Anne’s Pantry, Food Link which operated out of his unoccupied Main Street store, the Porterville Jr. Livestock Fair, Veterans’ Parade, the Men’s Agribusiness Association, youth recreation and many events. Gil had been known not to turn away from a need or a request for help, stating, “The best part of being a business owner is dealing with people and building relationships that last over the years.” His motto was “Be honest and give the best possible service.”
Gil is survived by his loving wife, Louisa; his brother, Benny (Ellen) dela Cruz of Porterville; a sister, Juanita (Teddy) Ilagan of the Philippines; cousins, Marilou (Abrahim) Sahari of Olympia, WA, Connie (Pepe) Acoba of Porterville; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by an older brother, Andres Domingo; and his parents, Eufronio Domingo and Macaria Damaso dela Cruz.
A visitation will be held at Myers Chapel Reception Hall, Porterville, CA on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 3-7 PM and a rosary at 6 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Holy Cross Church (1765 N. Newcomb, Porterville, CA) at 11 AM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne’s Parish Hall Building Fund, 378 North F Street, Porterville, CA 93257.
To light a virtual candle, share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the tribute section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries . Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.