Memorial for Reynaldo Casiano Espanol
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Born in Philippines on Aug. 1, 1925
Departed on Aug. 13, 2009 and resided in Sacramento, CA.
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| Visitation: |
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009 & Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009
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| Vigil Prayers & Rosary: |
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009
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| Funeral Service: |
Monday, Aug. 24, 2009
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| Reception: |
Monday, Aug. 24, 2009
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| Cemetery: |
Cypress Lawn Memorial Park
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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REYNALDO CASIANO ESPANOL, "Tio Aldo", "Manong Aldo", "Kuya Reynaldo", "Mang Rey", passed away on August 13, 2009 at UC Davis Medical Center, Intensive Care Unit, in Sacramento, California of cardio-pulmonary failure. He was 84 years old.
Reynaldo was born on August 1, 1925 in Agno, Pangasinan, Philippines, to Justino Espanol and Atanasia Casiano-Espanol. He was the youngest of two other siblings: Librado who passed exactly 16 years ago to the day as Reynaldo on August 13th in 1993, and Benjamin who fell victim to the Bataan Death March in 1942 during WWII.
During his first year of life, Reynaldo's father, Justino, left for the United States in 1926 and served as a bartender at the US Naval Station in San Diego, California. During his teenage years, Reynaldo's high school education was cut short when the Philippines was invaded by Japan and thrust into WWII in 1941. Youthfully oblivious to the world's events, Reynaldo's gregarious and easy-going personality made him a very popular young man amongst his peers. His showmanship was evident by his participation with the Sarsuela stage-acting group. But, as the war continued, Reynaldo became patriotically involved, secretly serving as a runner for the Guerilla Army, an anti-Japanese force. It was during this intense period in his life when he entered an amorous relationship with his high school classmate, Rosita Cabantac. On April 8, 1945, after the Philippine Liberation from Japan, the two exchanged wedding vows. Reynaldo was 19 years old; Rosita was 17.
In 1950, after his 3rd child, nine years after his high school education was interrupted by the tragedy of war, Reynaldo completed his high school education at Agno High School. That same year, Justino, the father Reynaldo never knew, retired and moved back to the Philippines. The bond between father and son was both instantaneous and perpetual.
In 1952, Reynaldo and Rosita packed up their three children and left the countryside for the bustling city of Manila. As a young man, Reynaldo was a responsible husband and father who eventually bore a total of ten children. He did odd jobs around the city for several years; then, in 1967, at the age of 42, he landed a permanent job with the Bureau of Customs as a Customs Policeman. His career lasted a decade until 1977, when Reynaldo and Rosita immigrated to the United States.
Residing in San Francisco, California, Reynaldo had several stints as a Security Officer for Yerba Buena Hotel, Macy's, and Pacific Bell. After retiring at the age of 65, he chose to join the workforce again, until finally, at the age of 72, he decided to permanently retire and enjoy his life alongside his wife and ever-growing family.
Reynaldo's sedentary lifestyle after retirement was both fulfilling and cruel. Family was never far, but chronic pain in his knees and ankles from gout started to set in. His last visit to the Philippines in 2000 was memorable, but it was also significant; it marked the year his freedom became limited - confined within the boundaries of a wheelchair. It became apparent that a warmer climate was more suitable for Reynaldo's health, and in 2003, he settled in Sacramento, California to live his remaining years.
The most distinguishing character trait of Reynaldo was his natural ability to accept, comfort, entertain and turn complete strangers into long-time friends. He was a charismatic conversationalist who knew how to get, and keep, someone's attention. During social functions, Reynaldo's entrance was marked by warm welcomes, wild laughter, followed by his standard ice-breaker to a soon-to-be friend, "You know, Gloria Romero is my cousin," a reference to a famous Philippine actress. He possessed a radiating internal happiness capable of putting a smile on anyone's face. Reynaldo's showmanship was unintentional but inherent, sincere and unpretentious. He never lost his boyhood charm.
Reynaldo reinforced the true essence of the word commitment by proving his love and devotion to Rosita for 64 years of marriage. His legacy will be cherished and forever be treasured in our hearts.
His failing physical body constantly reminded him about his mortality but his love of life and his family was the core source of his strength and inspiration to hold on until to the last God-given breath.
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