Gilberto's Journey To Recovery

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

A Papi Moment


I had another “Pop” moment yesterday. I was at work sitting at my desk when I noticed it was 4:25pm. Instinctively, I grabbed my keys to go visit Pop at the nursing home as I have done every night the two weeks prior to his passing away. At first, he would greet me with excitement. After a few days, I would find him sleeping, so I would leave and let him rest. Later, he was awake but not as responsive. Eventually he would be not wake up at all.


On Saturday, October 5th, Jimmy, Ron, Patty and myself agreed to take turns and stay all night so Pop would not be alone. As I was leaving that night, I saw that ours were the only four cars in the parking lot. Side by side. Then and now.

Yes, Gilberto. You taught us well.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

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.



           

Gilberto Rolon-Spanish Eulogy


Es inconcebible resumir la vida de un hombre en un discurso. Es inimaginable capturar la esencia de la existencia del hombre en una frase. Es también imposible hablarte de este hombre, del corazón de mi abuelo en una sola palabra, pero si tuviese que elegir una palabra, yo creo que esa palabra es PASION.

 
            Gilberto Rolón Torres, hijo de Tomas “Papa Oro” Rolón y Catalina Rolón de Torres era un hombre apasionado.

 
            Él era apasionado de su cultura, pues estaba orgulloso de sus orígenes y nunca dejo que nadie olvidara “Que Soy Boricua” Su mirada se concentraba en la radio o la televisión cuando escuchaba a alguien hablando en español. No le importaba si era un luchador, un jugador de beisbol, un político o un periodista. Sus oídos escuchaban algo familiar y el calmadamente (o de manera ruidosa) comentaba que un hispano estaba triunfando y tu no podias ignorar al puertorriqueño.

 
            Él era apasionado de la vida. Si había una fiesta, Gilberto Rolón se unía en la risa, si había una canción, Gilberto Rolón quería cantar. Si había música, Gilberto Rolón quería bailar; y si había un buen chiste, Gilberto Rolón se iba a reír a carcajadas.

 
            Pero la pasión más grande de Gilberto Rolón era su familia. Si el pudiera, el tomaría el tiempo de abrazar a cada uno aquí mismo porque él los amaba a todos. Frecuentemente dijo cuanto extrañaba su padre Papa Oro. No había secreto que aun a la edad de setenta y ocho (78) el aun era el niño de mami.

            Él era el hermano mayor de Luis, Amador e Israel y siempre la figura paternal de Elba, Bruni y Judy.

            Se caso con Patricia Cardona a la edad de 24 y aunque se divorciaron después de 34 años de matrimonio, el la amo hasta su ultimo respiro.

            Y la pasión que tenia por sus hijos (todos los nueve) era el latido de su corazón.

a)     Gilberto Junior – Su primer hijo, la continuación de su nombre y el líder del grupo

b)    Thomas – Nombrado en honor a su padre e igual de determinado

c)     Ronald – Su principal ayudador y seguramente en quien mas confío.

d)    Patti – Su primera de muchas y por siempre la nena de papi.

e)     Ileana – “La nena de Puerto Rico” quien llamaba a su papi constantemente

f)      Mellissa – Su primera con Nancy, quien con su sabiduría, belleza y alegría le mantuvo asombrado

g)     Melody – Su nombre significa música y papa amo su música

h)    Yanire – A quien el amo a la distancia, pero nunca dejo de amar.

i)       Little Jessie – La Hondureña, su bebe

 

El quizás hable de los Phillies, política, su gusto por un pequeño pueblo en la Florida, sus días como boxeador amateur, sus 9 nietos en especial Robertito el doctor, la cercanía que el tenia con sus muchos sobrinos y sobrinas:

 
            Entre aquellos que se quedaron los más conectados a él, especialmente durante su enfermedad fueron:

            Amadorcito & Ricky Rolón: quien visitaba con frecuencia él especialmente en el hogar de ancianos.

            Sammy & Gringy Hymovitz: Que a menudo llamada que acaba de hacerle reír.

            Carlos Perez: Que se tomó un tiempo fuera de su día para visitar y cuidar de él.

            Miriam Cruz: Que a menudo llamada desde Florida a solo para decir hola y

            Jennelle Mehta: Con quien desarrolló un bono especial.

 
            Gilberto hablaba de sus días como locutor radial en WTEL, sus XX-años trabajando para Philco-Ford, los divertidos juegos que le gustaba jugar o las canciones y poemas que le gustaba escribir. Y luego, calladito se iba porque no le gustaba decir adiós.


            No le digamos adiós a Gilberto Rolón. Continuemos su herencia de vivir apasionados. Disfrutemos de la fiesta llamada vida y celebremos su pasión. Recuerda la alegría cuando el llegaba a la fiesta. Escuche una canción y baile, y apasiónese tal y como lo hacia papa.

 


Gilberto Rolon-Obituary


After a courageous battle with cancer, Gilberto Rolon went into his eternal rest.

 

Mr. Rolon was born on January 28, 1935 in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. He was the son of the late Tomas and the currently living Catalina Rolon.

 

Formerly of Philadelphia, he had lived in Lansdale for (50) years. He was employed for 40 years at the former Ford Electronics, Lansdale, retiring in 1996.

 

Mr. Rolon was also a well-noted singer, songwriter and radio announcer. He had professionally recorded 3 albums, most recently in 2005. He was a radio announcer at the Spanish radio station WTEL (860 am) in Philadelphia for 15 years. Mr. Rolon wrote a newspaper column in the Spanish newspaper of Philadelphia, La Actualidad, entitled, “Microfono escundido” (Hidden microphone). He appeared several times on the ABC television show Puerto Rican Panorama.

 

Mr. Rolon was an avid Phillies fan who enjoyed going to games with his sons.

 

Mr. Rolon most recently attended Zion Igelsia de Dios Church in Philadelphia where he had been active in music and drama ministries.

 

He is survived by nine children, Gilberto Jr Rolon. and his wife Iris of Colmar, Thomas Rolon of Lansdale, Ronald Rolon and his wife Roxane of Harleysville, Patricia Quagliarello and her husband Daniel of Plymouth Meeting, Melissa Kaiser and her husband Timothy of Media, Yanire Rolon of Philadelphia, Ileana Claudio and her husband Hector of Puerto Rico, Melody Rolon of Ambler and Yessenia Rolon-Chicas of Woodbidge, Virginia; and twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

 

The family would like to thank Dr. Barbara Burtness and the staff of Fox Chase Cancer Center for their many years of care and support; the staff and administration at Gwynedd Square nursing facility and especially to our mother, Patria Ocasio and her husband Rafael, who have unselfishly been his primary care givers during his illness.

Monday, October 07, 2013

Amor Divino…ven buscame

This morning our dad, Gilberto passed away. He fought a tough and courageous battle with cancer. Thanks to all our friends and family who provided us with years of support and comfort. The viewing will be on Thursday evening at Huff & Lakjer in Lansdale. Please contact one us for more details.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

So, today was a very difficult day for our family, because we took Pop to Gwynedd Square Nursing Center. We know he will be better supervised and his pain will be better controlled there. We will all continue to visit him regularly and encourage anyone who wants to stop by to do so. The address is: 773 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale. He has moments when he’s confused and disoriented but he would appreciate the company, nonetheless. On a separate note: thanks so much to everyone who posted a story about our father. We got together last night at his apartment and had fun reading them. Please keep them coming. They provide a great source of support and laughter to us during this difficult time.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Tribute to Gilberto

Although Pop was a difficult person to be close to, many of us have a funny, unique or sentimental memory of him. At Rosi’s suggestion, I'd like to ask anyone who is willing to share it to post it on this blog site as a tribute. Just go to the comments at the bottom, type a memory that you feel comfortable sharing. I think it would be a great tribute to our dad. On moments that Pop is oriented and of sound mind, I'll share some of those stories with him.

Saturday, September 07, 2013

A picture worth a thousand words..

So, Mama Catalina reminds us that you’re never too old to lay your hands on and pray for your son.


She even took out the oil and anointed him.

I love this photo. Patty took it TODAY!

Friday, September 06, 2013

Gilberto's Update


I wanted to provide you all with an update on Pop.


As you all know, Pop has fought a long and courageous battle with cancer the last 9 years. Now that his cancer has spread to his bone, Pop’s body is weary from the fight and is ready for some rest. Although Pop has lived far beyond his expectations, the doctors gave us an estimate of his prognosis and it seems to be several months.

To help Pop through this process; we have placed Pop in the hospice program to help Pop go through the remainder of his earthy life without pain and with dignity.

Since he lives alone, his personal care is at a level that we have taken steps to place him at Gwynedd Square Nursing home on Sumneytown Pike in Lansdale. We expect this process to take up to two weeks.

Currently Pop’s pain is pretty much under control. However, the medication has him at times confused and disoriented.

We are asking you all not to call Pop at this time since he does not verbally communicate well.

We are also asking that you wait until he is at Gwynedd Square to visit him. Currently he has visiting nurses, physical therapists, social workers and other care givers that keep his day busy. He obviously sleeps most of the time.

Once he is at Gwynedd Square, I will notify you all and you can take the liberty to visit him any time. We would actually encourage it.

Thanks to those who encouraged and reached out to our father during his disease. Keep him and us in your prayers.

With love and gratitude,

Jim, Tom, Ron & Patty



PS: This picture was taken at Pop’s last outing in June. It was Tito’s graduation party. Pop was so proud!