Jesus Sambrano Gauani

Jesus Sambrano Gauani, better known as “Jess” was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and faithful child of God. On January 15, 2026, Jess passed to join the Lord God at age 65, now enjoying his mansion over the hilltop.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Nelsie Gauani; his daughter Jessica Lechuga and her husband Joshua Lechuga; and grandchildren, Isaac, Xavier and Liam. He is also survived by his daughter Jeanel Gauani and grandson, Roman.

Jess was born on May 19, 1960, in Piat, Cagayan, Philippines, to Ruperto and Angelina Gauani. He was the seventh of eight siblings in a family of six boys and two girls. Growing up in a large household taught him responsibility early and shaped the steady, dependable man we all came to know.

One of the most beautiful chapters of Jess’s life is his whirlwind love story with his wife, Nelsie. Their romance began as pen pals for seven months, with Jess in the Philippines and Nelsie in Hawaii. They were introduced by Jess’s nephew, Gino Isleta, and through handwritten letters, patience, and faith, their love grew strong.

Shortly after meeting in-person, he followed Nelsie into the province and proposed. Though Nelsie was hesitant to marry so quickly, Jess poured out his heart. Moved by his sincerity, Nelsie said yes. They were married three weeks later, on December 2, 1988.

After meeting Nelsie and through her sharing the Gospel with him, Jess’s faith began to grow. In 1988, after speaking with a pastor, Jess accepted the Lord and became a born-again Christian. From that moment on, he walked as God’s child, guided by faith, humility, and love.

Jess migrated to Hawaii in November 1989. Their first daughter, Jessica, was born in September 1990, followed by their second daughter, Jeanel, in September 1991. In 1995, Jess and Nelsie reached a milestone and proudly purchased their first home in Hawaii, built through hard work, sacrifice, and faith.

Jess enjoyed life and embraced both responsibility and joy. He liked basketball, billiards, fishing, and traveling. At 62 years old, Jess retired and truly lived — traveling to Las Vegas, enjoying cruises to Mexico, Canada, visiting San Francisco and Hawaii, and returning to his beloved homeland, the Philippines. Jess was also known for his unmistakable style. He loved wearing gold chains and his signature Gatsby-style Irish cabbie hat.

Though he never had sons, Jess was richly blessed with four grandsons — Roman, Isaac, Xavier, and Liam. His grandsons knew him as someone safe, patient, and proud — a grandfather who wasn’t too old to still wrestle with the boys.

Many remember Jess for his welcoming smile, his helpful nature, and his habit of putting others before himself. He lived with faith, integrity, generosity, humor, and love. He will be cherished and his character will live on by all the family and friends that had the honor of knowing his kind soul.

A Viewing and Funeral Service will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary West, 1710 West Loop 1604 North on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A visitation will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary West on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (The family would like to invite all in attendance to wear white, black or gold if they are able).

Following visitation a departure in procession for a Committal Service at Resurrection Cemetery, 11624 Culebra, San Antonio, TX 78253 at 12:30 p.m.