Rolando G. Loreto

Rolando Gutierrez Loreto, 83, of Apex, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026. Born in Marinduque, Philippines, to the late Gonzalo Loreto and Dolores Gutierrez Loreto, he enlisted in the United States Navy on September 17, 1965, and immigrated to the United States. While living in Belleville, New Jersey, he met Rose, his wife of 53 years. His naval assignments took the family to Norfolk, Virginia, and Groton, Connecticut, followed by a move to Virginia Beach. They later settled in Springfield, Virginia, where they made their home for 40 years. Rolando retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief Mess Specialist after 28 years of service and later retired from the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.

Rolando is survived by his children, Darlene Sayers and her husband, Kevin; Rolisa Loreto; and Roselee Benshoof and her husband, Phillip; his brothers, Edwardo Loreto, Gonzalo Loreto Jr., Roberto Loreto, and Efren Loreto; his sister, Tita Crawford; and his grandchildren, Xavier, Ava, Kailyn, Rylie, Sean, Noelle, and Kayson. He was predeceased by his wife, Rose Daroy Loreto, and his brothers, Jesus and Ricardo Loreto.

Rolando, also known as “Rollie,” was a gentle man who greeted everyone with a smile and deeply loved his family and friends. He took great pride in caring for others, often expressing his love through cooking and acts of kindness. Those who knew him will remember his generosity and readiness to help. Above all, he was a devoted grandfather whose greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. His legacy lives on through his many years of service to his adopted country, his devotion to his family, and the countless kindnesses he shared throughout his life.

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 6222 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia.

Visitation and cremation services were held privately.