Crisostomo Aritao Ratonel

Longtime Redlands resident, Retired Navy Sailor who committed his life to the service of others

Crisostomo "Cris" Ratonel, veteran of the US Navy and served in Vietnam went home to our Lord, passed away unexpectedly from non-Covid-19 pneumonia on August 11, 2020. He was 81.
Born on August 7, 1939, to Daniel and Magdalena Ratonel in Pangil, Laguna, Philippines, he was the oldest of four children. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1965 for better opportunities and help support his widowed mother and siblings. Selfless, he would keep a small amount of pocket money, send the remaining income home for his mother and to pay for college for his remaining siblings.
During Vietnam, he was assigned to the USS Tortuga as a gun loader, he became injured and subsequently required a hip replacement. Sadly, his career in the Navy was short-lived, as he was deemed permanently disabled. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1969. From there, he took advantage of his GI bill to get an Associate degree in accounting at Amundsen-Mayfair Jr College, now known as Harry S. Truman College in Chicago, IL.

His first job after graduating was with the accounting department for the Veterans Hospital in Hines, Illinois this was the start of his career with the Veterans Administration until his retirement in 2000.
He worked up the ranks within the fiscal department and even assisted other accounting departments within VA hospitals all over the country. His last post was at Loma Linda Jerry L. Pettis Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda as Chief Fiscal Officer. Working with the VA brought him much satisfaction as it allowed him to serve his country he loved so much.
After 30 years working for the Federal Government and military service, Cris decided to spend more time with family and hobbies like fishing, crossword puzzles & Sudoku, gardening, volunteering, travelling, and spoiling his grandchildren especially his great-grand daughter. He volunteered five days a week with the AARP as a certified tax preparer for the under-served community and senior citizens during tax season, was a member with the DAV, VFW, and an active member with the American Legion post #106 in Redlands, California. His greatest volunteering legacy was an organization tied in with his hometown called PAUSA Pangil Association of the USA, a group of people from his hometown (and surrounding areas) who volunteer, rebuild after disasters, medical missions, and help with school supplies for the children in need. Cris always instilled to his family to never forget where you came from and to never hesitate to help someone in need.

Family and faith was especially important to Cris. He supported his daughters activities and hobbies from ballet classes to band competitions, he was there for them cheering on rain or shine. Enjoying large family celebrations or taking family road trips all over the United States, as he loved to drive and take an adventure anywhere. Praying daily, reading the bible, attending Mass, and active with the Filipino ministry with the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community.

Cris was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Magdalena Ratonel and his brother Leandro Ratonel. Survived by his wife of 52 years, Cleo; his daughters, Frances Ratonel of Redlands and Daphne Ratonel of Louisville, KY; his grandchildren Nicholas and Emily; great-granddaughter Aleah; Sisters, Nieva De Guia of Cainta, Philippines and Joselina Fuentes of Tujunga, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Legion, Post #106 at P.O. Box 8368, Redlands Ca, 92375.
Arrangements have been made by Emmerson Bartlett Mortuary in Redlands.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Mass services at Holy Name of Jesus in Redlands will be limited in size and private burial at Riverside National Cemetery with full military honors. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.