Rogelio Pasco Valencia's Obituary
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Rogelio (Ron) Pasco Valencia on January 17, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on March 18, 1939, in San Jose Paombong, Bulacan, Philippines.
Rogelio left the Philippines at age 19 and proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1959 to 1979, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. His distinguished service included deployment during the Vietnam War aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rush and senior roles at Loran Stations in Japan and Indiana. As an electronics engineer, he served both the USCG and Air Force for a total of 40 years. Rogelio's commitment to his country shaped both his professional and personal journey.
Rogelio was known for his technical expertise, hard work, and profound loyalty to his country. He had a talent for creating with his hands, a deep love for hymns and classical music, and an appreciation for beauty, good food, and the companionship of dogs.
For over 30 years, Ron and his beloved wife, Amelia, made their home in St. Joseph, Illinois, where they raised their family. The family extends their love and gratitude to the many dear neighbors and friends there.
In later years, as he battled Parkinson’s, diabetes, and the effects of multiple strokes, Rogelio lived at the Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson, Utah. Despite his physical challenges, he found some of his most meaningful relationships among the veterans and staff there. With kindness and respect they treated him as the good man he always wanted to be. His family is deeply grateful for the extraordinary support and compassion shown to him and to them during this time.
Rogelio is survived by his cherished wife of nearly 60 years, Amelia Gomez Valencia, and their three children: Zenaida and Jeremy Nathaniel and their five children (Jeremy, Jonathan, Katarina, Joshua, and Bella); Lucie and Glade Holman and their six children (James, Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Amelia, and Michael); and Ron and Amanda Valencia and their two children (Ruthie and Rogelio Pasco Valencia III). His thirteen grandchildren will honor his legacy with their joy, talent, hope, and love, living lives filled with promise and beauty that their grandpa could only quietly dream of. He will no doubt be deeply proud of each of them.
Rogelio’s life was a testament to resilience, shaped by both triumphs and struggles. His legacy lives on through the love and hope of his family, and the peace and healing found in faith. A private graveside service will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 28, for close family to honor his service to our country. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veterans Home.
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