Rolando Cruz Villarba

Rolando “Rollie” Cruz Villarba was born on June 20, 1934 in Tarlac in the Philippines. As a child he survived the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, including constant encounters with Japanese soldiers.

As the oldest of six children, he worked to put himself through college and graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of the East. He worked at Philam Life Insurance and went on to pass the CPA examination.

In 1964 he married Anianita “Annie” Amarillas, and in 1972 they immigrated with their family to the US and settled in San Diego, where he lived for over 52 years. He spent 30 years of his career as an Internal Auditor for the San Diego Community College District, where he helped departments refine their operating procedures and his work enhanced the general security of District assets.

As the cook of the family he frequented and got to know people at all the Asian markets in San Diego, and he relished cooking Filipino dishes and sharing meals with family and friends. He also loved spending time with friends at the Del Mar Racetrack, and when he retired in 2003, he also began working there to share his passion with other racing enthusiasts. After they retired Rollie and Annie also enjoyed going on cruises and traveling around the world with family and friends.

Most of all Rollie loved his family. He celebrated his 90th birthday on June 20th and he and Annie celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 28th with the entire family. He is survived by his wife Annie, their children Mary Ann (Corey), Joseph (Ken), Marie Ellen (Audunn), and Randy, his grandchildren Julia and Halle, his sister Emily (Mario), and Milo the dog.

A visitation for Rollie will be held Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with a rosary at 3:30 PM, at El Camino Memorial, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121. The Funeral Mass will occur at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Ascension Catholic Church, 11292 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92124. A funeral reception will be held following the Mass. The family requests any flowers be sent to Ascension Catholic Church.