Roman Quismorio Quisol Jr.

Roman Quismorio Quisol, Jr, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was born on October 26, 1926. You know, he is younger than many of us here. Do you know why? During his birthdays, we would ask him how old he was. He would say, “Don’t you know?’ We would say “no”. So he will respond that he is only “Sweet Sixteen”.

So today we are here to celebrate the life of our Beloved Sweet Sixteen!

Roman was born in Manila, Philippines to Roman Quisol, Sr. and Mercedes Quismorio. He was the eldest of 6 children.

Friends and co-workers called him Romy; his brothers, sisters, and family addressed him Jr. or Manong (oldest brother), we his children called him Papa, and his grandchildren called him Lolo.

As a child, his family lived in Hawaii where his father was in the US Navy.

While still in elementary school, they returned to Manila, Philippines, where the family settled and where Papa completed his schooling.

While still in high school, he worked as the secretary of the Union church in Manila, Philippines.

He earned Bachelor of Science Degrees in Foreign Service and Law.

While in high school and college, he loved to play basketball with his friends. I heard, he tried to impress my mom when he would play basketball near her house. It worked because on October 11, 1952, he married my mom, Josefa Cariῆo Yatco.

He and my mom started their family in Manila on Dapdap Street, where their first six children were born. In 1958, he worked for the US embassy until 1964, when our family boarded the US President Wilson and sailed to the US. After 20 long days at sea, we reached the port of San Francisco.

Our family settled in San Jose, CA where his 7th child was born.

His first job in the US was near the San Francisco airport, a job that Uncle Ernie found for him. The first few months, he lived in San Francisco during the week, and came home during the weekend, as he was still learning how to drive. After he obtained his first driver’s license, he purchased his first car, and commuted daily to work in San Francisco so he could be with the family during every day.

In 1969, he started working at General Electric, Nuclear division in the import/export department, here in San Jose, in fact across the street where the Plant shopping center is now. He worked at GE for 25 years, until he retired in 1994. He had several accomplishments while at GE, such as

• Award for Nuclear Energy Business Group, Quality performance program

• GE Vision with Action award for reduction in Materials Services Cycle Time

• 20 yrs of service with no sick time

After retirement, he and my mom vacationed in Hawaii and several European countries. In between their travels, he helped to raise his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching football, basketball, and baseball. He loved music and singing.

Education was very important to him. He put himself through college and while we were growing up, he often talked to us about getting as much education we can get. “That will help you advance in your career and provide a better life for your family”, he would say.

He also had a great work ethic. He ensured he completed his work honestly, on time, and to best of his ability. The only time he did not go to work was on weekends, holidays, and vacation. When he received his award for 20 years of service without taking sick leave, he was asked to what he attributes his success. “It is my wife’s good cooking”, he replied.

He loved his children and grandchildren and is dedicated to them. When I was little, I would run to him for protection, especially when I am in trouble with my mom. He would read bed time stories and sing to us. On weekends, he will cook breakfast for us: eggs and bacon, one day; pancakes the next.

During his retirement, while he was helping take care of his grandchildren, he would bring my nieces to and from school. He would help the teachers watch the children on the playground before the first bell rang. At the end of the school year, the teachers gave him an award for being the best playground monitor.

He was a quiet man, speaking only when necessary. However, during their travels, he would steal the show if picked from the audience to participate, such as in hula lessons during the luau.

He had a great sense of humor, always making us laugh. On his last day, he was still cracking jokes as the doctors and nurses came in to examine him.

My fondest memory of him is of his love of singing. He would sing to his children and grandchildren to put them to sleep. When he was young, he was a Soloist in church choir and even sang live on radio. He taught the song “Amazing Grace” one of his grandchildren for a school program. The song made one of teachers cry. His last public solo was during my wedding when he sang the Lord’s Prayer.

Papa, you will be extremely missed but never forgotten. We will always remember you as our beloved sweet sixteen.