Jesus Rosario, known to his family and friends as “Kuya Jesse” passed away on August 16, 2020, at the age of 56 years old.
He will surely be missed for his love and care to his wife, Vivian, who became her confidant and friend for over 28 years. Vivian will fondly recall Jesse’s jokes and laughters. They worked hand in hand in Jehovah’s service. He was ever supportive of his wife's pioneering for many years up to present. They also spent memorable times on cruises and traveling abroad. Like a team, Vivian would love to plan and start a home project and Jesse would complete that project for his beloved wife and celebrate together for a project accomplished! They also worked as a team raising two precious boys, turned to be responsible sons, BJ and KC.
BJ and KC will always remember having a cool dad who knows how to have fun with them. He would go all out singing karaoke with a mic stand. He loves practicing the “original songs” on jw.org website. They are also so proud of having a reliable dad. He was a very “do-it-yourself” person, a real handy man. Any repair around the house, he’d have some tools ready for that purpose. He would always reach out and train them about fixing stuff like plumbing, electrical and car repair. Never a dull moment with him, they’ll miss his teasing. He has his way to lighten up a situation so it won’t appear too bad for them.
Indeed, Kuya Jess has been a responsible family man. He was trained well by his beloved parents, Romeo and Lita.
Being the “panganay” (firstborn), back then when life was far from easy, he grew up becoming a responsible “Kuya” (big brother) to all his 6 siblings. “Mader” (how Kuya Jess call mom) would tell everyone, Jesse is his favorite son! No wonder because Mader Lita has given him so much responsibility even as a little boy. Today when asked, Mader Lita would proudly say, “Jesse is not just my right hand, he was my right and left hand!” While “Tatay” Romeo (dad), where Jesse got his cheerful heart, has always been proud having a firstborn who said got his good looks and “porma” (being stylish) from him.
How was Jesse’s childhood? Well, he’s got a load of responsibility but he made it fun and exciting!
At 12 years old, he would bravely hop buses in Marikina City to sell peanuts, “kakanin” (rice cakes) and candies to passengers just to earn a little so he could buy food for his siblings. That’s how hard life was back then... No wonder, when asked how he described his childhood, he would say, “It was a bit of a ride!”
His love and relationship with his siblings was one of a kind. That’s why his 3 brothers and 3 sisters would describe their own “Kuya Jess” as a smart, protective and caring brother.
Jimmy and Manny, two brothers next to Kuya will not forget how he became their “adventure leader” in life. One stormy morning in San Pablo, Laguna, at 4 AM, Kuya Jess woke up Jimmy, then was 6 years old and Manny, 4 year old to (again) brave a typhoon. Why? Because Kuya Jess, apparently, was awakened by the sound of falling coconuts and had a great idea to collect the coconuts and then sell them to earn money. Genius! As they recounted that event, they knew how dangerous it was but they enjoyed and had fun with their “Kuya”. Talking about leadership, it was with “that” experience and so many others they would love to share in another time, how they looked up to their brother for almost everything in their life.
Melanie and Noemi admire how their Kuya Jess tackles matters, by first listening and observing before giving his comment or advice. He will be missed too for his constant teasing and humour to both of them.
Obed and Mylene, being the last two in the family, will remember Kuya Jess for his discipline with love. Obed can recall how many times he was hit with a stick (discipline rod) as a young boy not by his parents but by his Kuya :) Mylene will remember how sweet Kuya is and how he would always call her “bunsoy” (baby sister).
And as they all grew up together as adults, they fondly remember their very own “Kuya Jess” as their go-to-person for advice and decision making. He strikes the balance in the family. He was frank yet loving and humorous. He loves to tease his siblings a lot, for that he will be missed so much more.
Kuya Jess spent his younger years taking care of siblings. It was not easy but he willingly accepted the challenge because of his love for his family. But when he started to study the Bible, he learnt about Jehovah God. Jehovah became real to him and held on so much to God’s promises for the future. That’s when his life changed. His seemingly poor life became a purposeful life. He dedicated his life to Jehovah and started regular pioneering right after high school. Back then, he already became a “need greater” in a local congregation in Lucao, Pangasinan. He also spent a couple of years in Philippine Bethel, Branch Office of Jehovah’s Witnesses and served in the construction and purchasing department.
His co-pioneers, who became close friends and family, would remember their long hours in the field ministry, walking in the vast territory in Pangasinan to share the good news.
He spent much of his time with his own family in the US ~ with Vivian, BJ and KC in their humble home in Sacramento. He also enjoyed loving association with so many brothers and sisters in different congregations. He worked as a Senior contract services officer in Sacramento County for 8 years.
He is fun to be with! He loved each moment of camping, BBQing, fishing, and all sorts of adventure with the brothers and sisters. He also reached out to his relatives, uncles, aunts and cousins through messaging apps to keep up with them especially during the pandemic. He has in one way or another, touched someone’s life, someone’s heart.
We will always know him as a loving husband, a reliable dad, a responsible son, a protective Kuya, a loyal friend, a caring elder, and a faithful servant of his loving Creator, Jehovah.
All praises and glory to Jehovah God who is yearning to bring back that sweet smile of “Kuya Jesse” for everyone to see once again!