Jesse Soriano

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 Josefino D. Soriano 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, Josefino was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Josefino knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Josefino was born on March 18, 1952 in Baguio City, Philippines. His parents were Panfilo and Loreto Soriano. Josefino was raised in Baguio City, Philippines and Monrovia, Liberia. Even as a youngster, Josefino 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, Josefino 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. Josefino was raised with five (5) siblings. He had an older brother Gabriel (Bing) and Edward (Eddie), younger sister Amy, and two younger brothers Noel and Emmanuel (Manny). Josefino 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 Josefino, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Josefino's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Josefino enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Josefino took part in golf, (he was good at it), basketball, and bowling. In his spare time he liked sports. Josefino's memorable achievements included being the youngest to win a 1st place golf tournament and he won the game playing against those much more experienced.

In school, Josefino was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Josefino was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Josefino’s personal motto could well have been," Do it right the first time." He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Josefino’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Josefino’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Josefino saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Social Work from St. Louis University. His favorite courses were Behavioral and Social Sciences, and History.

Josefino was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Josefino was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Josefino came to expect his high standards of performance. Later in life, he became friends with Edgar.

Josefino 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. Josefino 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. Josefino was blessed with two children, two daughters, Christine and Claudette. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Taylor, Tyrone Jr. (TJ) and Jesse.

Josefino 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 pursuits were bowling, watching movies, taking pictures, watching sports, and hanging out with the family. Josefino 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 Josefino to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Josefino played golf. In his college years, Josefino continued to stay active by playing basketball, golf, and bowling. Recreational sports included bowling - bowled two perfect games. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were basketball, football, and boxing.

Faith was important to Josefino. 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 involved in many events; he especially loved the pot lucks.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Josefino used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Josefino had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included anywhere his daughters lived, because he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Josefino was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Josefino’s favorites was Cato, a Shih Tzu and Pekinese mix. They were best friends for 4 years.

Josefino passed away on May 12, 2010 at Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is survived by his children Christine and Claudette; his grandchildren Taylor, TJ, and Jesse; his brothers and sister - Bing, Eddie, Noel, and Amy; his mother Loreto. Services were held at Palm Mortuary. Josefino was laid to rest in Keller, Texas.

All who knew him would agree that Josefino 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. Josefino D. Soriano 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.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Green Valley Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.