Rafael Olavario Romasanta

Rafael O. Romasanta passed away on April 18, 2021  at Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville, California due to natural causes. He was born October 25, 1935 in Iloilo, Philippines, the son of Col. Manuel and Irene Romasanta (both deceased). Rafael graduated from Puerto Princesa National High School in Palawan, Philippines. After graduation, he moved to Manila to pursue his higher education. While studying for his bachelor’s degree, he joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He also worked at San Miguel Corporation simultaneously. With his perseverance as a working-student, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at the National University in Manila. To pursue a better life for him and his young family, he decided to resign his post at San Miguel Corporation and moved to the USA in 1967 where he worked as a Design/Lead Engineer for Lockheed, Rockwell International, and General Dynamics. The projects consisted of commercial, NASA, and Department of Defense. He helped design the wings of the L1011 Aircraft and the Space Shuttle. He also helped design the M1 Abrams Tank. He had a very productive and fulfilling life. He realized his dream for a better life and succeeded in the United States of America. He was married to Amelia Romasanta for 41 happy years and they lived a simple and comfortable life in Duarte and Victorville California. They regularly went on vacations, mostly in the Philippines. In addition to his parents, Rafael is predeceased by his sister, Violeta Ramos Romasanta and brother Manuel Olavario Romasanta Jr. Surviving in addition to his wife Amelia, are his sons Rafael Erick Romasanta Jr. and his wife Anne Bethrille of Cavite, Philippines; Ruel Romasanta and his wife Corazon of Apple Valley, California; Raul Romasanta and his wife Jeanette of Jurupa, California; and Christy Vargas of Modesto, California. His grandchildren are Angie Romasanta, Christina Romasanta, Katrina Joy Romasanta, Rafael Allen Romasanta III, Francis Erick Romasanta and Joseph Erick Romasanta, Jeara Romasanta, Janelle Romasanta, and Justine Romasanta. Rafael has 3 great grandchildren namely Hope Romasanta Heinz, Lovelynn Romasanta Heinz, and Liam Reau Harris. Rafael’s surviving siblings are Romeo Romasanta of Lake on the Hill, Illinois; Oscar Romasanta of Anaheim, California; Leticia Romasanta of Templeton, California; Edgar Romasanta of Cavite, Philippines; and Jessie Romasanta of Elk Grove, Illinois.

The funeral mass will be held on May 20, 2021, 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located in 12704 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA. 91739. Rafael will be interred at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Philippines.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND LOVED ONES, AND ESPECIALLY TO AMY WHO TOOK CARE OF RALPH WHILE BEDRIDDEN FOR OVER A YEAR. YOUR LOVE AND SACRIFICES ARE FOREVER REMEMBERED WITH GRATITUDE AND THANKS. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS, YOUR THOUGHTFULNESS, YOUR GENEROSITY, AND SUPPORT DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.