Melanio V. Rapelo

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Melanio V. Rapelo who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Melanio was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Melanio knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Melanio was born on October 20, 1930 at home in Polo, Alaminos Pangasinan, Philippines. His parents were Valentin and Jovita Rapelo. Melanio was raised in the Philippines. Even as a youngster, Melanio learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Melanio was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Melanio was raised with five siblings. He had two sisters, Patricia and Eleuteria, and three brothers, Arturo, Henne and Nonoy. Melanio had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Melanio, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

An objective and conscientious individual, Melanio reveled in the security of his family. In 1949 Melanio exchanged wedding vows with Eleuteria Gameng in Pangasinan, Philippines. One of Melanio’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Melanio was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Melanio would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Melanio was blessed with eleven children, three daughters, Myrna, Elenita and Arlyn, and eight sons, Dante, Reynaldo, Romeo, Eddie, Santiago, Armin, Robert and Ricky. They were also blessed with twenty-six grandchildren, Louie, Randy, Sheryl, Regie, Joy, Jason, Janice, JoJo, Joey, Geraldine, Jenny Rose, Gelyn, Leslie, Grace, Lisa, Mark, Donna, AJ, Charlie, Genalyn, Gerry Glen, Finzel, Sydney, Justin, Joyce and Jeanette.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Melanio was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Melanio was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Melanio upheld his standards. His primary occupation was former "Barangay Captain". He also worked in farming, fishing and construction. Melanio was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Melanio approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuit was going to the horse races. Melanio was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Melanio to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Melanio played ping-pong. Recreational sports included fishing. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were horse racing, boxing and basketball.

Being generous with his time and energy, Melanio liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Melanio was a community leader of Polo, Alaminos.

A civic-minded person, Melanio was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Melanio was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the community council for Polo, Alaminos. During these years, Melanio applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Melanio. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a life long member of the Roman Catholic Church.

When Melanio’s retirement finally arrived in 1986, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to San Diego, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in being the primary care giver for his grandchildren. In many ways, Melanio loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Melanio passed away on March 3, 2010 at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California. Melanio passed away due to complications of old age. He is survived by his wife, Eleuteria, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Services were held at the Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel. Melanio was laid to rest in Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

All who knew him would agree that Melanio was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Melanio V. Rapelo did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.