Gilberto Rolon-English Eulogy

It is unthinkable to summarize a man’s life in one speech. It is unimaginable to capture the essence of a man’s existence in one sentence. And it is impossible to tell you of this man, my grandfather’s heart in one word, but if I was forced to choose just one word, I believe that word would be PASSIONATE.

            Gilbert Rolon Torres, son of Tomas Rolon & Catalina Rolon de Torres was a passionate man.

            He was passionate about his culture for he was proud of where he came from and he never let anyone forget, “Que Soy Boriqua”. His head always turned to the radio or the television whenever he heard someone speaking in Spanish. It didn’t matter whether it was a wrestler, baseball player, politician or newscasters. His attentive ear heard something familiar and he quietly (or quite out loud) acknowledged that a Spanish speaking person was doing well and you cannot ignore the Puerto Rican.

            He was also passionate about life. If there was a party, Gilberto Rolon wanted to join in the laughter. If there was a song, Gilberto Rolon wanted to sing. If there was music, Gilberto Rolon wanted to dance. And if there was a good joke, Gilberto Rolon was going to laugh.

            But Gilberto Rolon’s greatest passion was his family. If he could, he would take the time to embrace everyone here because he loved you all. He often spoke of how he missed his father Papa Oro. It was no secret that even at the age of seventy-eight (78), he was still his mama’s boy. He was the big brother to Luis, Amador and Israel and often the father figure to Elba, Bruni and Judy. He married Patria Cardona at the age of 24 and although they divorced after 32 years of marriage, he loved her until his dying breath. And the passion he had for his children (all nine of them) was the beat of his heart.

a.     Gilberto Junior – His first born, his namesake and the leader of the group.

b.     Thomas – Named after Papa’s father and equally stubborn.

c.      Ronald – His primary caregiver and (probably) the one he trusted most.

d.     Patti – His first of many and forever daddy’s little girl.

e.     Ileana – “La nena de Puerto Rico” who called her Papi often.

f.       Mellissa – His first with Nancy, whose wisdom, beauty and joy kept him in awe.

g.     Melody – Her very name means music and Papa loved his music.

h.     Yanire – Who he loved from a distance but loved no less and

i.        Little Jessie – La Hondurania and his youngest.

  

            He might talk about the Phillies, politics, his fondness for a small town in Florida, his days as an amateur boxer, his nine (9) grandchildren (especially Robertito, the doctor), the closeness he had with his many nieces and nephews.  Among those who stayed the most connected to him, especially during his illness were:

            Amadorcito & Ricky Rolón who frequently visited him especially at the nursing home.

            Sammy & Gringy Hymovitz who would often call just to make him laugh.

            Carlos Perez who took time out of his day to visit and care for him. 

            Miriam Cruz who would often call from Florida just to say hi and

            Jennelle Mehta with whom he developed a special bond.

     

            He would also talk of his days as a radio announcer on WTEL, his 30-years spent working at Philco-Ford, the silly party games he loved to play or the songs & poems he loved to write. And then he would quietly leave, because he didn’t like to say good-bye.

            So let’s not say good-bye to Gilberto Rolon. Let’s continue with his legacy of passionate living. Let’s enjoy the party called life and let’s celebrate his passion. Remember the joy when he walked into a party. Listen for a song and dance, and be passionate just like Papa.