Obituary of Mateo Ceralde

Mateo Ceralde Jr was born on April 19, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. He proudly served in the U.S. Airforce. Mateo previously worked in healthcare as a massage therapist for over 20 years. Shortly after, his family moved west and settled in and around California’s central coast. Mateo flourished in and around his beloved Monterey Bay. He attended historic Salinas High School, a school made famous by another area native, John Steinbeck. Like Steinbeck, Mateo was enamored by diverse local attractions and activities. He began to dabble in hobbies that he would continue to enjoy the rest of his life: fishing, driving, riding motorcycles, martial arts, reading and networking with his many friends and acquaintances. Mateo also worked throughout his childhood at his father’s side, learning trades and skills his father dutifully passed down: farming and cultivation, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, etc. Of all the different skills and duties he learned, the skill of resourcefulness proved to be the one he would master. At the age of 19, Mateo enlisted in the Air Force. He took this opportunity to expand his horizons by taking assignments in distant places like France and Alaska. Mateo proudly served his 4 year enlistment. Adhering to a devout pride in his duty and country, nobody took more pride in their uniform. Amongst all the caps Mateo wore in his life, his favorite was that of a father. He relished the moments he had to impart any wisdom to his children; Ted, Linda, Joli and Mateo. Throughout his childhood and his travels, Mateo made lasting friendships. He strengthened these relationships with his genuine care, thoughtful gifts, and sincere gestures; but perhaps his most endearing quality, his insatiable curiosity. A consummate student of the world, every event would manifest into an opportunity to learn something new. With every new lesson, a new feather to put in one of his caps. He had little to no care in material possessions. What he held dearest were those relationships he had carefully cultivated. Mateo fought a long, arduous battle with congestive heart failure, diabetes, and poor kidneys. He fought harder than he ever told himself he would. Had it not been for the motivation to see his grandchildren Tiffany, Jordan, and Maile grow up, he’d never of fought so hard. Alas, the fight took its toll on him. He decided he was done with hospitals, needles and medication. On the morning of December 19, 2011 Mateo succumbed to his poor health on his own terms. Resolute in his final wishes, Mateo Ceralde Jr passed peacefully in his own bed. Eulogy written by Mateo’s Loving Son: Mateo Kaska Ceralde Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 22 1-5pm and a Celebration of Life will take place at 4pm all at the Healey Mortuary Chapel 405 N. Sanborn Rd. Salinas, CA 93905.