Darlene Ritona

Darlene Ann Ritona was born on September 19, 1961 inTacoma, Washington to Nicanor Ritona, Sr. and Genoveva Cerrado. She is the sixth of seven children and the youngest daughter.

Raised primarily in the Philippines with her siblings and huge extended family, Darlene, alongside siblings Nellie and Richard, migrated to San Francisco, California—joining siblings Evelyn, Nicanor Jr., George and Arthur—in July, 1974. Mother, Genoveva, followed shortly after in 1975. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1979, Darlene embraced her love of travel while serving in the U. S. Army. During her military service, Darlene lived and worked in locales such as Germany and the southern United States. As a civilian, Darlene lived for a good part of her life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, ultimately returning home to San Francisco in 1996. 

In all of her hometowns, she remained an avid sports fan (SF Giants and 49ers) and lover of classic R&B soul music. Post military work included various clerical positions, two decades at a lithograph company, and, before retirement, in private security.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Nicanor Sr. and Genoveva Ritona; sisters Evelyn and Nellie; brother Richard; and great-nephew Noah. She is survived by her brothers Nicanor Jr, (Cristina), George (Bonita), Arthur (Malou); brother-in-laws Renato and Norman; and sister-in-law Gloria. She also leaves behind her many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces and her long-time companion, Jerome Jones.