Vytautas R Mockus' Obituary
It is with great sadness that his family announces the passing of Dr. Vytautas R. Mockus on July 4, 2022. Born in Kaunas, Lithuania on August 5th, 1940 to Stasys and Prane (Adomaitis) Mockus, at a young age he moved with friends and family to Chicago, IL where he grew up and went into higher education, eventually earning his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois. His officer enlistment in the Navy saw him stationed in San Diego, California, where he stayed after leaving the service, beginning a private dental practice in Chula Vista where he worked for over 40 years. On October 26, 1968 he married Dr. Dana G. Maciunas, whom he had known since childhood, and together they raised a loving family of three children in San Diego, finding particular enjoyment in experiencing zoos and national parks with them. Vytautas also served as an administrator and later the president of the Oak Tree Philanthropic Foundation, and for decades worked tirelessly as the institution's backbone to help disperse funds to benefit charitable organizations both nationally and internationally, with a special focus on Lithuanian programs to honor his in-laws Drs. Genevieve and Algirdas Maciunas. An enthusiastic lover of photography, cooking, astronomy, and all types of fine arts, as well as an avid reader, he was private and softspoken, yet deeply loyal and caring towards his friends and family. He is survived by his daughter Dr. Danyte (Michael) Mockus-Valenzuela, his son Andrius Mockus, his granddaughter Olivia Valenzuela, and his sister Danute Ronge.
There will be a viewing held from 3-7pm on Sunday August 14th, 2022, at the Garden Chapel of Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113. On the following day Monday, August 15th, 2022, Father Bill Springer will conduct a 9:30 am mass celebrating Vytautas' life at the St Francis Chapel of Mission Basilica San DIego de Alcalá, located at 10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108. Following the mass, graveside services will be held at noon at Miramar National Cemetery, located at 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122, where Vytautas will receive full military honors.
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