Rosano (Russ) Gilera Garcia

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Rosano (Russ) Gilera Garcia who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Rosano (Russ) was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Rosano (Russ) knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Rosano (Russ) was born on December 21, 1958 in Zamboanga City, Philippines. His parents were Rodoflo Garcia and Leonida Gilera. Rosano was raised in Manila, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Rosano (Russ) learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Rosano was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Rosano was raised with eight siblings. His siblings where Rubia, Radolfa Garcia Jr., Monet, Chel, Ramir, Renand, Nato, Pilar. Rosano had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Rosano (Russ), this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Rosano's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Rosano enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Rosano took part in basketball and tennis. In his spare time he like to lift weights.

In school, Rosano was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Rosano was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Rosano’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from A.E. College. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was History.

Rosano was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Rosano was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Rosano came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were James. Later in life, he became friends with Larry Bacani.

An objective and conscientious individual, Rosano reveled in the security of his family. On December 21, 1991 Rosano exchanged wedding vows with Jamie Ayala Reloba at the the beach of Carmel, California. One of Rosano’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Rosano was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Rosano would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Rosano was blessed with five children, James, Jillian, Rosano Jr., Lily, and Roland.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Rosano (Russ) was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Rosano was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Rosano upheld his standards. His primary occupation was supervisor of maintenance department. He was employed for 33 years in industrial mechanics. Rosano was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Rosano approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were golfing. Rosano was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Rosano to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included golfing. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were golfing, boxing, and football.

Being generous with his time and energy, Rosano liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Rosano was a member of the ROTC.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Rosano used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Rosano had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacation was going to Reno.

Rosano was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Rosano’s favorites was Otis, American Stafford-shire Bull Terrier. They were best friends for 5 year.

Rosano passed away on August 23, 2010 at his home in Fresno, California. Rosano went peacefully in his sleep. He is survived by his wife Jamie, his children James, Jillian, Rosano Jr., Lily, and Roland, his mom Leonida, sister Pilar, and his brothers Monet, Chel, Nato, Ramir, Renard. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home. Rosano was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park on Monday, August 30, 2010.

All who knew him would agree that Rosano (Russ) was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Rosano Gilera Garcia did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Arrangements under the direction of Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, San Jose, CA.