Severo Ponce Mercado passed away peacefully on October 5, 2014, slightly a month shy of his 94th birthday. He was the fifth son of Marcos and Juanita Mercado, born in Trabuco Canyon (Orange County, California), in the shadow of Mission San Juan Capistrano. He is survived by daughters, Patricia Mercado-Allinger and Jeannie Caro; sons-in-law, Walt Allinger and Richard Caro; grandson, Justin Acciacca; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends; and his adorable pit bull, Lola. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Lyle, Pete, Joe, Pino and Larry; and the love of his life, his wife of nearly 53 years, Eugenia Palacio Mercado.
Severo was committed to family and country, sacrificing his education to work during the Great Depression and proudly serving in the U.S. Navy (Pacific Theater) during World War II. Golfers who frequented Ben Brown's Country Club (Aliso Creek Golf Course) in Laguna Beach knew him as "Heavy," a nickname that he embraced with humor. He began working at the golf course in 1952 and served as the superintendent from 1958 until his retirement in 1993. He will long be remembered for his consistently warm and joyful personality. His daughters can attest that Severo would talk and joke with anyone and everyone.
The family is especially grateful for the loving care provided by caretakers Nicolasa Ynteriano, Manuel Bolanos Flores and their children Nancy, Fany Marvin, and Mayly. With their help, Severo was able to spend his final days at home.
Visitation will be held at Fairhaven Cemetery on October 13, 2014 p.m. Funeral mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (541 E Central Ave., Santa Ana) on October 15, at 2014, followed by a graveside service at Fairhaven Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome! Alternatively, memorial donations may be sent to either Mission San Juan Capistrano (http://www.missionsjc.com/store/store.php?cats=DONATION;
Mission San Juan Capistrano Preservation Funds, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675) or the Admiral Nimitz Foundation (https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/nimitz/donation.jsp; )
in support of the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.
