Rene Florentino's Obituary
“Tibot, Rene, Ka Tino, Daddy & Lolo “
Rene was born in Binondo Manila, Philippines to loving parents Domingo and Potenciana. His early childhood was spent growing up with brother Angelito and sisters Lourdes, Cristina , Socorro and Remedios. He attended Raja Soliman High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of the East Philippines in 1968. After which, he decided to enter the Philippine National Police Academy. He was sworn in as a police officer in 1972. He was blessed with a colorful career in law enforcement as he served the Criminal Records Division of the Western Police District, now Manila Police Department in UN Avenue Manila. He married the love of his life Claire in January 26, 1974. They were blessed with two daughters Cecille and Myra. In 1999, the family welcomed a son in Marion whom Rene happily raised, supported and guided through his formative years. In 2000, Cecille married Leslie Papa, his son in law and been blessed with two grandchildren Alex and Nadine. In 2004, Myra married Joseph Aboy his son in law and blessed him with three grandchildren Lani, Riz and Lolyn. In 2005, he retired as a Lieutenant after serving 30 years in the PNP. He loved taking care of his young grandchildren Alex and Nadine Those days were filled with simple joys of country living and quiet retirement life in Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
In 2010, he and wife Claire migrated to San Diego, CA to be with Myra and Joseph. Rene was a doting Lolo to Leilani, Ariza and Lauralynn. He spent countless times playing, attending most of their school or sports events, recitals or talent shows, homework help and just being generous with anything he could possibly offer. To Rene, his five grand daughters were all very special and precious to him. He embraced the American life and enjoyed traveling to and back from Manila with Claire, spending time with their balaes, sis in law Margie in Los Angeles and sister Medy in New York. In 2020, his son Marion married Khain Navarro, his daughter in law. He loved salmon fishing with bro in law Emy in Vancouver Canada. Rene also cherished his moments spent with a Filipino group of community he was proud to belong to called, EMASS UPAC, a local non profit organization focused on promoting cultural diversity and preservation. He loved performing their “Pandango sa Ilaw” dance presentations in Balboa Park.
Though Rene was raised as a devout Catholic, his spiritual connection and relationship with the Almighty Father and Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior is the most important to him. He loved attending the Maranatha and the Salvation Army church where he happily volunteered to sing in the Senior choir. Rene is a perfect example of their church mission “Doing the most good for God and for people”. Up to his recent and untimely demise fighting off blood cancer, Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes at the ICU of the UCSD Hospital, his love for music soothed him. He sang his favorites “How Great Thou Art” and “ My Way”, which the nurses and next door patients did not mind and even encouraged him on. On Dec 1, 2023 at 1:10 am, Rene passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones and immediate family. His final last words were “Mahal ko kayong lahat.”
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