Bernardo S. Bautista Sr.

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Bernardo S. Bautista was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Bernardo will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Bernardo’s life journey began on May 11, 1936. He first greeted the world in Tondod, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. His parents' names were Antonio and Rosenda Bautista. Growing up Bernardo was raised with five siblings. He had three sisters, Juanita, Celestina and Aurora, and two brothers, Amandito and Jose. Bernardo was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings and they shared many life experiences over the years.

Bernardo was a typical teenager, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from North Provincial high School and went on to attend the University of Philippines Laguna.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Bernardo experienced that with Fortunata Gavino and the couple happily exchanged wedding vows on April 3, 1956. The wedding took place at Aglipayan Church in San Jose City, Philippines. Empathic and loyal, Bernardo was committed to making his new family happy.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Bernardo and Fortunata were blessed with nine children, Arceli, Ronnie, Rene, Bernardo Jr., Gerry, Gary, Vency, Noli and Flordeluna. Bernardo worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs, raising his children in a positive and nurturing environment.

Bernardo also took an active role in his neighborhood and community. He served as PTA President for six years in his hometown for both Tondod Elementary and High school. In addition, Bernardo was also voted top councilman in his town where he continued to serve until he moved to California in 1994.

Fortunately, Bernardo enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Bernardo worked diligently and did his best to succeed in each of his jobs. While he worked several jobs over his life, Bernardo’s primary occupation was working as an Assembler Tech. Though Bernardo didn’t work for accolades, Bernardo always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Bernardo enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different hobbies and activities. He collected and assembled cars, loved oldies music and ballroom dancing. He was usually willing to share his interests with others.

Bernardo Bautista left us on June 3rd, 2011. He passed away at Coronado Sharp Hospital in Coronado, California. He was 75 years old. The cause of death was respiratory distress. He is survived by his wife Fortunata and his children, Arceli, Ronnie, Rene, Bernardo Jr., Gerry, Gary, Vency, Noli and Flordeluna, and 21 grandchildren. Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary at The Little Chapel of the Roses in Bonita, California. Bernardo was laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

So this is Bernardo’s life, the sum of the man that he became. Simply stated, Bernardo was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Bernardo leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Bernardo S. Bautista touched will always remember him with a smile.