Jose D. Juan

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. Jose Duque Juan was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Jose will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Jose’s life journey began on March 17, 1925. He first greeted the world in Castillejos, Zambales. His parents' names were Maura Duque and Vicente Juan. He was raised with 5 siblings, Felicidad Montero, Rafael Juan, Edita Juan Mayo, Beatrice Juan and Modesta Juan Pascual. Jose was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his family sharing many life experiences over the years.

Jose was a typical teenager who had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Zambales Agricultural School in 1942.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Jose experienced that with Esperanza Mangosing Federe and the couple exchanged wedding vows on June 9, 1946. The wedding took place in the San Nicolas De Tolentino in Castillejos, Zambales. Empathic and loyal, Jose 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. Jose was blessed with 7 children, Diosita J. Andres, Luzviminda J. Jose, Yolanda J. Orejas, Jose Juan Jr., Erlinda J. Lumbo, Delia J. David and Myrna J. Dizon 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.

Later on, Jose was blessed with the gift of 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, Jose enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Jose worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his occupation. Jose worked at Public Works Center in U.S. Naval Base Olongapo, Subic Bay for 30 years and at Public Works Center in U.S. Naval Base 32nd Street, National City for another 10 years.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. Jose loved to sing and play the guitar. With a beautiful voice he sang all day and night. He enjoyed the sport of baseball; he was a pitcher for a baseball team called, “The Mustangs.”He also enjoyed spending a lot of his free time gardening /farming. He grew many vegetables as well as fruits for his family and friends to enjoy. Jose had a big heart for animals; he loved them all. He rescued and took in various animals such as turtles, rabbits, cats, and dogs. He made sure that these animals were provided for and were not in harm's way.

Jose was a family orientated man; he always wanted to be a part of every event regardless if it was a game, birthday, graduation, first communion, and even the Driver's License testing day; the love & support he had for his family was priceless. His generosity extended to people especially children. He would have given a stranger the shirt on his back if that person needed it more and be content with joy. His selflessness helped provide his family with what they needed; his priority was to make sure that his family was always happy.

Jose Duque Juan left us on October 16, 2011. He passed away in San Diego, California. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his sisters Felicidad Montero, Edita Juan Mayo, Beatrice Juan, Modesta Juan Pascual, his brother Rafael Juan, and his children Diosita J. Andres, Luzviminda J. Jose, Yolanda J. Orejas, Jose Juan Jr., Erlinda J. Lumbo, Delia J. David and Myrna J. Dizon. Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A funeral service was held at Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel in Bonita, California on October 31, 2011. Jose was laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

So this is Jose’s life, the sum of the man that he became. Simply stated, Jose 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. Jose leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Jose touched will always remember him with a smile.