Me and my dad at a Christmas party (Pasko sa Lansing).

My dad Silvestre "Bert" Mariano with my niece Hannah and nephew Liam.

My dad Silvestre "Bert" Mariano with his siblings (ninong Anghel, tia Tuding, and tia Mary.

March 31, 2026, between 10am and 12 noon, my dad, Silvestre Mariano "Bert", left us to join our good Lord. He was born December 31,1931 in the Philippines. He lived a good life of 94 years. I have never felt so much loss and sadness. I was with him when he was awake and preparing to dress up for his regular doctor visit. I waited for him outside his room for about 5 minutes. I knocked to see if he was ready but did not get a reply. I opened the door and looks like he fell asleep sitting on the chair while changing his clothes. I tried to wake him up but did not get a response. I called 911 for an ambulance after 5 to 10 minutes of trying to wake him up. It sounds like he was just sleeping because I can hear him breathing. I laid him flat on the floor and gave chest compression as mentioned by 911 operator until ambulance arrived to take over. They tried to revive him at home and then again at the hospital emergency for 45 minutes to an hour. On duty doctor came to the waiting room and informed me that he did not make it.

My mild-mannered dad with my mom has been good raising me and my siblings. He was always there drove us to and from school during my elementary and high school. He was there when me and my siblings needed help with schoolwork. He was an excellent navigator, sometimes better than GPS, when I lost my direction on the road. Probably because he was former police. He was a great accountant monitor his bank accounts, prepared income taxes, and written his wills and trusts. He was also ready to help out family relatives in need of help on funeral arrangements when their time runs out.

I wanted to tell him he was a great dad but always procrastinated that there will always be time. I think he knows he was a great dad. I just want to let him know now that he did a great job being my dad. I will always remember and thank you dad.

My dad was a wonderful human being.  There are so many stories that show how amazing he was.  My dad came from a very humble beginning as a farmer.  He courted my mom bringing chickens and wearing clean but simple clothes.  He was competing with other suitors who brought chocolates, drove cars, and wore flashy outfits.  I used to ask my mom why he picked dad.  She said he would pick her up from the bus stop with an umbrella and walk her home even in the rain or flood to make sure she got home safely.  Forward 50+ years, my mom has advanced dementia. My dad took care of her at home up to his 90's until he couldn't anymore.  It broke his heart to send her to a group home.  For the last 2 years that she has been in a group home, he would visit her every weekend minus 2 weekends.  He only missed when he was hospitalized himself.  He was the most devoted husband any wife can only dream of.
My dad was the most thoughtful and caring person.  He always asked about other people like my father-in-law's health, my husband's knees, my friend's surgery.  Yet he never complained  himself.   When he was hospitalized about 2 months ago, his doctor told me that my dad was the sweetest man who never complained.  She would ask him how he was feeling and he always just smiled and said he was good.  She said he was on 6L of oxygen but he always said he was good.  She even asked me if he spoke English because he just smiled and never complained.  
My dad was a religious man.  He always prayed for other people.  He would always tell me that he was praying for my son's kidneys every night.  And he didn't just say it, he actually did it.  I used to check on him at night when he would stay at my house, and I would find him in bed with his eyes closed praying.
Last but not the least, my dad was a family man.  He loved his parents, his siblings, his nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.  His love was deep and genuine.  
My dad was an amazing man and I miss him so much.

My dad was the bravest and most self-sacrificing man I know, from the eyes of a daughter (mine).   He never complained, he just kept going.  He would always put the spotlight on others, and not on himself.  He was concerned about everybody else, but never himself.    He never talked about being afraid (of anything!);  he wanted us kids to just be confident and know that he will take care of us and protect us always, so we need not worry about anything.  My dad was/is/always be my hero.  He lived through poverty in his youth, but he was always so fond of his childhood and very proud of the parents (our grandparents) that loved him so much and took care of him and his siblings the best they can.   My dad is the most loving man I know. In his early 90's (his age), he would drive to and from the hospital or rehab to be with my mom from 9am and leave at 5pm every single day ..... even when my mom couldn't talk lucidly at those times because of advanced dementia.  He just wanted to be present with my mom.  I may be biased, but I think my dad is the greatest dad;  he taught me how to endure suffering and persevere, but at the same time appreciate the little things, the blessings along the way.  I love my dad and I will miss him very much.  There is such a big void he left.  I will always have him in my heart.  My dad taught me, just by being himself, that despite any problems I have, I can still offer the world the sun, my smile .... just like he always did.  He was always smiling despite whatever cross he's carrying.  I love you Daddy and I will miss you so much !!  
 - Vi (Olive Lemanski)

The only vacation he liked to take was visiting family in the Philippines

He was a total family man with his pamangkins.

He was so loved by his nieces and nephews in the Philippines.

Dad was very close to his last living sister

We celebrated every birthday as a gift specially past his 90th.

Dad and Paul were the dynamic duo.  They took care of each otherz

Every birthday was celebrated as a gift especially past his 90th birthday.

Dad and Paul.  They were the dynamic duo.  They took care of each other these last several years.

He was the most adored Lolo.  My kids adored their Lolo.

Dad was the most devoted husband, through thick and thin.

Sorry for your loss. Praying for the whole family of Mang Bert. May he rest in peace. 
❤️🙏🏼❤️

OBITUARIO

Silvestre "Bert" Guanio Mariano

31 diciembre, 1931 – 31 marzo, 2026

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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