Jerome Olea Mercado

Jerome Olea Mercado, better half to Marichu Serapio-Mercado and a son given by our Lord to Antonio and Mirza Olea Mercado was born at Gumaca, Quezon Philippines on Aug 2, 1979 and has joined our Lord on October 30, 2011 with a sudden passing caused by heart attack (cardiomegaly/enlargement of the heart) during an activity he loved the most, playing basketball. In his last moments, he was accompanied by best friend and team mate, Patrick Duran. The span of his earthly pilgrimage was 32 years, 2 months and 28 days. In the days prior to his passing, he had expressed to wife Marichu how content he is with life, happy with their simple lifestyle, with their “son” Miko, (schitzu) in their humble apartment home in Anaheim, California.

Today, we rejoice in the knowledge that he has passed the barrier of time as we know it and is forever at home with the Savior he faithfully served with the 32 years He has given him. On June 20, 2009 he was married to Marichu Serapio-Mercado who survives. Together, for the short span of 2 years married life, they experienced the changing scenes of life in the joyous and fruitful companionship which the Lord had entrusted them. To Marichu’s words, Jerome has been the perfect husband for her. He was her husband, best friend and soul mate. He worked full time so she can concentrate on Nursing school. Very attentive to her needs and most of all, has given her so much love. He sacrificed buying his dream car only to buy the most beautiful engagement ring he said she deserves before their grand wedding. This was a love story made in heaven that everyone around them can testify this true and everlasting love that emanated between the two.

Surviving along with his parents and wife are 3 siblings: Christine (with son Sean), Billy Ray and Karen. He is also loved and remembered by in laws; Antonio and Rosa Serapio (father/mother in law), Theresa Kholoma (sister in law) with children Kevin, Kenneth, Karelle and Mark Serapio (brother in law). He is also being remembered by his second family in the US by the Olea Family of Honolulu, Hawaii, Andal Family of North Hollywood CA, De Rama Family in Carson, CA and Talise Family of Los Angeles, CA and Narciso Family of Fremont, CA.

To family and friends, Jerome was a genuine and one of a kind husband, son, brother, and friend all rolled into one. We can single him out from the rest of us as he has never been angry or slow to flare up. Very giving and generous. He loved eating burritos, his favorite food. Loved to travel, loved to sleep a lot. But most of all, his true passion was playing basketball. At an early age of 13, he has manifested and practiced basketball skills a true MVP possess. To team mates, “Jeromie the Homie” as he is fondly called was the ideal basketball player to play with, fair in the game and gave all his best, a real team player and the “coolest guy” in court. He is definitely an avid Laker fan to Kobe Bryant, Manny Pacquiao and Nike shoe fanatic. He looked forward to working everyday for “Kuya Bong” Cabrera at MBC Trading who he considers the kindest “boss” one could work for with cool friends to work with such as Joel, Ivy, Mark, Boogie, Arthur, Dino and Hart.

Jerome’s ways taught us how to live and enjoy a simple life. To appreciate the simple privileges’ we take for granted and tend to overlook. To value relationship over material things. And most of all to love unconditionally and genuinely. His legacy will forever remain as he has touched so many lives in the limited earthly time but a life lived to the full. He will forever be cherished in each and everyone’s heart.

“Remember, in your heart and in your mind, you are a Filipino” – Jerome O. Mercado 1979-2011

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel Pierce Brothers Anaheim Mortuary, Anaheim, CA.