Rolando C. Pizarro

On June 24th 1938 in Pilar Bataan, Philippines, Rolando C. Pizarro was born to Roman and Maria Pizarro. He was the youngest of 5 children. After graduating from Arellano Memorial High in 1956, he attended the University of the East where he majored in Commerce/Accounting before joining the United States Navy in January of 1965. It was that choice which enabled him to leave his homeland of the Philippines for the 1st time but fate would draw him back after a few years to meet and marry the love of his life, Amelia C. Enriquez, on February 21st 1971. Almost a year later, they welcomed their 1st child Rommel, and in September of 1972, as a new family of 3, they set out to see the world. Their first stop was Virginia, where they had their 2nd child Michelle in September of 1974. Adventures continued across the globe to Italy where they lived in La Madalena Sardina, Italy from January of 1977 to January of 1979. By February of 1979, Rolando brought his family back to U.S. ground where they welcomed their 3rd and final child Suzanne in Connecticut. They lived there for almost 2 years before military life would call for them to move again. Their destination was San Diego, California and this time Rolando chose to drive across country with his wife and 3 small children. This would be the family’s final move. In January of 1987, after 22 years of service, Rolando retired from the United States Navy. After a short break and a few courses at a local community college, he rejoined the workforce and spent 5 years at Rohr Industries followed by 5 years at DynCorp.

Once Rolando truly retired in 1998, he spent his days doing what he loved most. You could find him fishing on the pier in Imperial Beach and making his own fishing lures but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was, by every sense of the term, a “family man”. He enjoyed cooking and would do so daily. Breakfast was always ready when the family woke up and in the afternoon when his family would arrive from school or work, you could find him in the kitchen prepping for dinner. Sprinkled in were a few trips to Barona and Las Vegas.

Rolando spent the last 8 years of his life fighting for his health. He amazed doctors time and time again by overcoming some of the most critical health situations. Through those 8 years he was able to escort both of his daughters down the aisle on their wedding day as well as welcome all 6 of his grandchildren home from the hospital after their birth, something we know meant so much to him. As a true testament to the phenomenal father that he was, his one and only son Rommel, put his life on hold for 8 years to stay home and care for him…Rommel was truly his very own angel on earth. Rolando was surrounded by the laughter of his grandchildren on a daily basis. He often smiled and spoke to them with his eyes and they would gleefully respond with coo’s and smiles. Rolando’s love for his family was the driving force in his life and it was evident in the way he fought so hard to stay with them.

On February 1st 2013, God called Rolando home to rest. With him went a piece of our hearts. He was the silent strength in our family. A stellar husband, a loving father and a beloved Papa. A good man. A very good man.

He is survived by Amelia E. Pizarro, his wife of 42 years, his son Rommel E. Pizarro, his daughter Michelle P. Vicente and her husband John Vicente, his daughter Suzanne P. Nacario and her husband David Nacario as well as his 6 grandchildren:

Joshua Roman P.Vicente (7), Ava Michelle P. Vicente (5), Jillian P. Nacario (4), Isabella Noelle P. Vicente (2), John-Lucas P. Vicente (6 months) and Matteo P. Nacario (3 months)