November 7, 1931 - July 4, 2025
Henry Estrella was born November 7, 1931. His birth name was Enrique Hilario Caberto. Place of birth was San Jose, California.
At age 7, he moved with his parents, Emilia and Antonio Estrella, to the Philippines. He grew up in the Philippines until joining the Navy in 1952. He married Conchita Francisco on January 30, 1953. They started their family with daughters Maureen and Yvonne, both born in the Philippines, and son Wayne and daughter Patricia, born in San Francisco, California. The family moved to San Francisco in 1958. Henry was away from the family often due to his Navy obligations. Consequently the children were spaced apart in age. San Francisco was his home port until 1968, then the family moved to San Diego.
In 1970, he moved the family to Hawaii. This was Henry’s happy place. When asked by a doctor in the last couple of days, “What city are you currently in?” he clearly said, “Hawaii!”
Henry retired from Navy in 1989, 26 ½ years total time served as a Master Chief, E9, the highest rank for an enlisted man. Henry was an active member of the Masons in Hawaii and rose to be a Shriner. He stayed in Hawaii until 1996. He moved the family back to the mainland, settling in Stockton to be closer to our large Estrella family.
Henry and Conching had a love affair filled with joy, challenges, love and loyalty. When Conching became ill, Henry was constantly by her side, nursing her every step along the way. Conching passed in February 20, 2022. Henry brought flowers every week, manicuring the grass and headstone. Henry would read passages from the Bible while visiting Conching.
Henry passed a legacy on to all of us: to be kind, to love with all your heart, to work hard, to be forgiving, and to live humbly. Family FIRST! Henry is proud big brother for the Estrellas and the Cabertos. He helped many and did so without notoriety. He accepted his life with all the twist and turns and never complained of his hardships. He claimed that his hardships gave him strength and determination. He found a way to touch our lives one by one.
At age 93, we could all be so lucky! Henry had a devoted wife, four well behaved and problem free children (Maureen, Yvonne, Wayne and Patricia). He watched his seven grandchildren, (Jon, Jessica, Travis, Jenna, Tiffany, Bryson and Angelica) grow up to be fine adults. He met his eleven high energy great grandchildren (Ezra, Samantha, Zack, Izzy, Gaby, Mikey, Marcus, Elliot, Malia, Owen, & Maya). They were all his pride and joy.
Henry passed peacefully on the Fourth of July, family by his side and fireworks outside. He was a true patriot.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 24th, 2025 at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Estrella family.