Adolfo C. de la Rosa

Mr. Adolfo C. de la Rosa was born on June 9, 1947 in Manila, Philippines. He was the son of Bonifacio de la Rosa Sr. and Elena Castillejos de la Rosa. Adolfo spent his youth in Tondo, Manila where he was raised with six siblings. He had four brothers, Liberato, Bonifacio Jr., Roberto and Renato, and two sisters, Elenita and Elizabeth.

Adolfo had a fairly happy high school experience, making the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Torres High School in 1964.

Adolfo enjoyed his college years, which were a challenge with the academics and responsibilities but he was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Far Eastern University all while assisting his the family business before moving to the United States. He continued his studies in California where he earned an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice.

On September 21, 1974 Adolfo exchanged wedding vows with Amor Justiniano Fernandez in Passaic, New Jersey. Empathic and loyal, Adolfo was committed to making his new family happy.

Adolfo worked hard to be a good father to his children and did his best to fulfill their needs. Adolfo was blessed with three children, daughters, Anne Cindy, Liza Amor, and Cheryl "Apple" Lynn. Another blessing for Adolfo was the gift of five grandchildren, Ryla, Cheylia, Alex, Dylan, and Alan.

Adolfo worked as a Probation Officer for the San Diego County Probation Department and was a Probation Department Specialist in Electronic Surveillance and Monitoring until he retired in 2004.

Adolfo enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were martial arts and singing. He began martial arts (Karate Shotokan Style) training at the age of 14 and received his First Degree Black Belt in 1969. After recieving his Second Degree Black Belt, he began teaching Karate. He joined tournaments and won free style and full contact competitions.

Adolfo's continuing love for his church and Gospel music began at the age of 10, where he sang with the youth choir and then with the Iglesia Ni Cristo Men's Choir, becoming the youngest tenor to be accepted. Adolfo's first voice teacher was his aunt, Teri de la Rosa. He then studied under Sister Pilar Manalo Danao, Choir Directress of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ). He later studied with Maestra Jovita Fuentes, a world- renowned Filipino soprano, as a scholar student. Adolfo was also privileged to study with Ms. Alexandra Tagan, a world-renowned Russian soprano. Adolfo earned the unique privilege to study in three major conservatories of music in Manila, and the Elmwood Conservatory of Music in Passaic, New Jersey. Many recordings and concerts followed until his final operatic concert in Manila where he won a role in Ambroise Thomas', "Mignon". In the United States he performed in concerts in Garfield, New Jersey, Los Angeles, San Jose, El Cajon and continued to perform with Luigi and Company. He was honored when asked to sing the National Anthem at the Padres game during the "Law Enforcement Appreciation Night". He continued to sing in private events for his church and for the community up until his final days.

Adolfo passed away on September 30, 2010 in San Diego, California. He fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife, Amor; daughters, Cindy, Liza, and Apple; son in laws, Arcy and William, and grandchildren Ryla, Cheylia, Alex, Dylan, and Alan. Services were held at Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel on October 8, 2010. Adolfo was laid to rest in Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

Simply stated, Adolfo was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Adolfo leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Mr. Adolfo C. de la Rosa.