Renato Dizon Robrigado

Raised in Manila, Phillipines, Rene Robrigado enjoyed his childhood friends and family. He grew up interested in chess and photography-winning several tournaments and building his own darkroom. After graduating from Adamson University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Rene secured a great job at the international brewing company "San Miguel Corporation" and married sweetheart Rosie Edra Rufo. Rene left a good life in the Philippines for a better life in the United States.

Moving to the United States with just a few contacts, Rene managed to land a job in a chemical research laboratory and send for Rosie and his two girls Yvette and Odette within a year. The family eventually settled in the Eagle Rock area of Los Angeles where Rene and Rosie worked hard to send their children to the local private school, St. Bernard's. Rene and Rosie enjoyed many friendships in the Eagle Rock/Glendale area. Whether it was a party after church on Sunday, or a camping trip or a holiday party, Rene was always there with food and jokes and his family. He also belonged to the St. Bernard's Choir and, later, the Father Serra Choir in Palmdale. Rene travelled and sang with the choirs at numerous events, including a performance at St. Peter's Square and Basilica in Rome with the St. Bernard's group. While at the Vatican, Rene had the pleasure of meeting Pope John Paul II.

Rene worked at Products Research and Chemical Corporation, Northrop, McDonnell Douglas and Courtaulds Aerospace. Although he spent the week working, in his heart he was more a family man than a career man. Weekends were filled with Yvette's volleyball and Odette's gymnastics; Rene never missed a practice, game or tournament. After years of supporting his wife and his two girls, God blessed Rene with a son Brian, and a few years later, Brian and baseball and basketball took the place of volleyball and gymnastics. Yvette, Odette and Brian all remember that Rene supported all of their activities, happily driving them and their friends wherever and whenever, and there was always time for an ice-cream for everyone on the way home. All three of Rene's children graduated from college and enjoy success with their own families and careers; of course, for Rene, his families' success was Rene's success. He passed away peacefully knowing he had achieved the "American Dream" for his family.

Rene was a beloved husband, beloved father, beloved friend and beloved Lolo. Rene is survived by his brother Ben, his wife Rosie, his children, Yvette, Odette, Brian and his grandchildren, Thomazin, Whit, John and George.