Rogelio Biscocho Amo

February 26, 1939- March 11, 2018

Rogelio Biscocho Amo was born to Basilia Biscocho and Felipe Amo on February 26, 1939 in Bayuyungan, Batangas, Philippines. Because his birth certificate was lost in a fire, his birth year is 1942 according to U.S. Navy records. Rogelio, commonly known to all as “Roger,” and his only full brother Nepomuceno (commonly known as “Nepo”), were only 3 and 2 years old respectively when their father passed away. Their mother subsequently re-married Reynaldo Iglesia; together, they had seven more children, Roger and Nepo’s half-siblings.

Roger attended Wenceslao Trinidad Memorial High School in Bayuyungan and then the University of the East in Manila for 1.5 years. He originally wanted to become a doctor, and then a dentist, but ended up joining the U.S. Navy in 1961. Roger graduated from the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego in 1962. While overseas on one of the naval destroyer ships, Roger noticed a picture of a beautiful woman whom his shipmate was writing. Roger boldly asked his friend if he could also write to the beautiful lady, and the rest is history: In 1965, Roger met his lovely penpal, Lina Manalo. They married one year later (March 11, 1966 civilly, then April 10, 1966 at St. Paul’s Church in San Pablo).

Their first daughter, Pauline, was born in the Philippines; she was one year old when they migrated to the U.S. in 1968. Eventually, the other three children (Elaine, Rogeline, and Konrad) were born in two different states, as Roger’s military career took him and his beloved family across America. One interesting story occurred when Roger was again overseas on one of the naval destroyer ships: during their “free swim” period in the deep, dark oceans in the middle of nowhere, Roger nearly got his hand bitten off by a shark. At the same time, Lina was with child and ready to give birth to their daughter, Rogeline. For a while, Roger nicknamed their little girl “Shark” in memory of the shark incident. Roger’s time overseas allowed him to be inducted into: The Silent Occult Mysteries of the Far East (for crossing the 180th Meridian Line); the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of Shellbacks (for crossing within One Royal Domain of the Equator), and the Realm of the Arctic Circle (for crossing the Arctic Circle).

Roger served 25 dedicated years in the U.S. Navy, having served in the Vietnam War and receiving numerous medals, ribbons, commendations, and awards, including, but not limited to: the National Defense Service Medal, two Vietnam Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, three Service Deployment Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, and two Meritorious Unit Commendations. He continued to work after retiring from the Navy so that he could give his family the best life possible, sending all four children to college. He always looked out for the welfare of his children, even as they continued to grow older. Pauline recalls how Dad continued to wash her car and fill it up with gas until she left the nest. After retiring from the Navy in 1986 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (rank E-8), Roger worked at Lockheed Space and Missiles Company as a security officer (1986-1994). This was followed by ten years of service as a security office for Onizuka Air Force Base, before retiring one last time in 2004.

Once retired, Roger and Lina enjoyed several memorable trips throughout the world, both by land and through cruise ship traveling to such places as Spain, Rome, and Scandinavia, to name a few. When not traveling, Roger also loved to watch sports, including the Manny Pacquiao fights when Manny was at his boxing peak. Roger hosted “Pacquiao Parties” at the house and would get so excited watching that he would get up from his seat and start shadowboxing whenever Pacqiuao would land a big hit. He also had a green thumb and planted many vegetables in their backyard garden. In addition to gardening, Roger enjoyed taking walks around the neighborhood. Elaine has fond memories of taking hour-long walks with her dad around the neighborhood and to the nearby Lake Cunningham park- something she will miss greatly. And of course, as a chef (cook) in the Navy, Roger loved to cook “dinuguan” for all the holiday and birthday parties shared with the many relatives he had on his wife’s side. One of Konrad’s favorite dishes happens to be his dad’s signature succulent steaks. Finally, Roger also loved to sing and dance; he had a beautiful singing voice, and loved to sing Christmas hymns and the songs during Holy Mass.

Roger was a friendly, gregarious “people” person and won over everyone’s heart with his sense of humor, charming wit, and contagious smile. He loved his family, but above all, his dear wife. He passed away peacefully with Lina at his side, on their 52nd wedding anniversary. He wanted to spend one more anniversary with her and commemorate the day they eloped. Roger loved Lina very much back then and until his last dying breath. He will continue to be loved and remembered by all who are close to him.

Roger is survived by his spouse, his four children (Pauline, Elaine, Rogeline and Konrad), his four grandchildren (Khamille, Khassidy, Sherena, and Eli), and his eight siblings (Nepomuceno, Reynaldo, Rizal, John, Nepthali, Evangeline, Lea, and Alex).