Mario Manantan Mendones Gajo

Mario Manantan Mendones Gajo

March 17, 1958 — March 9, 2023

 

Master Mario Manantan Mendones Gajo 
 
Loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. 

He is survived by his wife, 5 sons, 4 daughter-in-laws, 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, mother, 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
 
Mario was a teacher, mentor, coach, and practical joker. 
 
His passion was leading men and women to their full potential, and his primary vehicle for accomplishing that was through Eskrima, a Filipino martial art. 
 
Mario trained and coached over 45 Eskrima champions throughout his career, but he was most proud of the relationships that he had formed, and the family that came from it. For Mario, it was never about the recognition or accolades, but it was always about the people, and the discipline and values that could be trained and refined. 
 
Mario was also a successful youth and high school football coach. On the gridiron, he was known as an organized, methodical leader, who loved his players and always held them to the highest standards. 
 
Lastly, Mario displayed the very values he taught up until his last breath. He fought well, and he did it the right way. He always treated the nurses, doctors and staff with the utmost respect, and always had humility. 
 
Even in his last days, he was focused on being a strong example for his sons, and has motivated each of them to be better husbands, fathers, friends, and mentors. 
 
His selflessness was a gift from God. His humility was a strength. His passion was a contagious blessing. And the way he loved his family and others was an extension of God’s love.