Roque Borda Villas

Roque Borda Villas was born on July 6, 1956, in Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines. He was the second born among the five children of Jose Salvador Villas and Concepcion Jore Borda. At age 7, Roque attended elementary school, making the daily commute to and from school by foot. Raised in a poor family, Roque spent his early years working in a rice field to contribute to household expenses and tend to his sick father.

Throughout high school, he worked for an affluent family, eventually becoming a personal caregiver to his boss. At age 29, Roque migrated to the United States to assist in the family’s exporting business. In this process, and through a direct connection of the family, he had the opportunity to serve the late Cardinal Jamie Sin.

Roque spent a number of years working in Chicago, and eventually settled in San Diego to pursue his profession as an auto body mechanic for the next thirty years. There he met and ultimately married Yolanda Rosario. In an untimely death, Yolanda predeceased him on his 39th birthday on July 6, 1995, leaving him to solely raise his two sons and newborn twin girls.

Roque was a hard-working, devoted father to his four children. He was a great friend, always ready to help anyone in need. Though a simple man, he enjoyed many activities in his spare time: drinking with friends, fishing, watching boxing, singing karaoke, and playing the guitar. He had a green thumb for growing vegetables and was also an avid cook, preparing countless main dishes and delicacies.

Roque is survived by his four children: Mark John (M.J.), Marvin, Melissa, and Michelle; three sisters: Ma. Luz, Joselina, and Ma. Ledwina; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, many nephews and nieces, and their posterity. He will be truly missed!

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