Aged 66, was called home Thursday, March 27, 2008 with his family by his side at Los Robles Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, CA. Born April 14, 1941 in Baguio City, Philippines, Amado was preceded in death by his mother Eufrosina Mallare and sister Jean Baliton. He is survived by: his daughter Elizabeth Barnes and husband Stephen, his son Neil Amorao and wife Lisa and son Andrew Amorao as well as his brothers William and John Mallare.
He lives on in his grandchildren Nia Bothwell Amorao and Jacob and David Amorao as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Al immigrated to San Martin, CA in 1960. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. From 1967 until his death, Al was a dedicated researcher and plant breeder for Driscoll Berries. In 1990, he moved to Camarillo to continue his work developing strawberry varieties in the fields of Ventura County.
He is responsible for the development and cultivation of 29 distinct varieties of strawberry plants and has widely been held responsible for making strawberries the top producing crop in the county.
When not working, Al loved wine, gardening, photography and aerobics. He touched the lives of all who knew him with his selflessness, dedication and enthusiasm for life. We will miss our dear father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. We take comfort though in knowing he is finally at peace.
The viewing will be held Wednesday, April 2 at 7:00 P.M. at Saint Mary’s Church in Gilroy, CA. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 3 at 2:00 P.M. at Saint Mary’s as well. Burial will follow at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park. Flower remembrances can be sent to Habing Family Funeral Home at 129 4th St., Gilroy, CA 95020.
