Roberto Gegante Tayag

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Roberto Gegante Tayag on December 5, 2024, he was 78 years old. He is survived by his daughters: Jocelyn (Joy), Grace and Katherine (Kate); his grandchildren: Loralin, Jaechelle, James, Stephen and Reina; his great-grandchild Kaileana (Kai), Zara and Kayden; and his siblings: Alfredo, Rosita, Eduardo, Laura, Consolacion, Romeo and Rita.

He was born on June 5, 1946 in the province of Floridablanca in his native country Pampanga, Philippines. Roberto was the middle child (of 11) of Rosa Sahagun Gegante (preceded in death) and Domingo Cano Tayag (preceded in death) and was married to Gloria Dizon Tayag (preceded in death). He has joyously reunited with them in heaven along with his brothers, Ciriaco and Alejandro Tayag and his sister Lolita (preceded in death).

He grew up on his father’s rice farm and helped raise his younger siblings. He was only 16 years old when his mom, Rosa passed away. From his recollection, she was sick and needed medication they could not afford. Losing his mom had a profound effect on him and helped shape his remarkable life. She was a devout Catholic and instilled in him a faith in Jesus and Mama Mary.

Roberto’s childhood crush was Gloria Dizon and he had his eyes set on her “from the beginning.” From the beginning meant since grade one as classmates. In 1966, the United States Navy was recruiting in the Philippines. There were 500 applicants, but only one opening. Roberto scored the highest on the written exam. He went through boot camp at Coronado Naval Base and was stationed in Italy for a short time. Italy was one of his favorite places to be stationed. Thereafter, he was stationed in Virginia. During that time, he wrote letters to Gloria and they were pen pals. Three years later, he was eligible for 30 days of leave but he asked his Captain for 60 days. He only had $300 US dollars and his command graciously donated an extra $300 for his trip back to the Philippines.

On November 30th, 1969 in a Catholic Church, they exchanged vows and under God’s blessings, were united as man and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Roberto Tayag began their amazing life together that day.

Shortly after, he received orders that he was to fight in the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, while in Vietnam, he was exposed to Agent Orange which affected his health all his life. He earned a Vietnam Service & Campaign Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon as well as Good Conduct Awards while in the Navy. In 1973, he welcomed his first born child, Jocelyn at Subic Bay Base Hospital. In 1975, he received orders to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, CA. Fall of 1976, he welcomed his second daughter, Grace. Soon after, he received new orders to relocate to Miramar Base in San Diego. It was there in 1979 where he welcomed his third daughter, his bunso Katherine.

Living in California, his thoughts were never far from his family back in the Philippines. Roberto and Gloria helped petition his father, Domingo and subsequently, some of his siblings to the US.

Thereafter, he worked diligently to petition his father-in-law and mother-in-law as well as all of his wife’s siblings for US citizenship. They dedicated years of their life making sure that their family could all share their lives together once again in San Diego. They fulfilled this dream.

Roberto and Gloria opened their home to their siblings, helping them to establish their lives and their futures in the US. Although it was a crowded home, with some often sleeping on blankets (dase) on the floor, it was a home bursting with love. They often hosted parties or get-togethers, playing mahjong all night.

Roberto served 20 years in the Navy and started his next career working at the Miramar Commissary. Throughout his life, he did not shy away from hard work. He often took on odd jobs and sold various items like vacuums and life insurance. His easy-going personality and bright smile helped him as a salesman. During the early 1990s, he shifted his career focus once more, this time as a successful realtor at Top Gun Realty.

Roberto was also an avid traveler of the world with his wife. In 1994, for their 25th wedding anniversary, Roberto and Gloria traveled to 16 countries in Europe. They visited the south of France to visit the site of Lourdes where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared. They also traveled on a pilgrimage to the holy land of Israel, Egypt, Bethlehem and other places with other parishioners from Good Shepherd.

The love he had for his homeland of the Philippines never wavered. When Roberto retired, he spent the last few decades living both in San Diego and the Philippines. He partnered with two of his siblings, Edwardo and Connie to build a Gas Station. For decades he ran the business providing job opportunities and an income to those who otherwise would be in need. He dared to dream bigger, of one day owning his own resort which he spent years building with Gloria. In early 2019, he fulfilled this dream as well which provided more jobs. Later that year, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the venue which was an amazing highlight of their life. In March 2020, due to COVID, Roberto and Gloria relocated back to San Diego leaving behind their beloved Philippines but reunited once again with their immediate family. One of their favorite activities together was going to the casino, particularly Barona.

After his wife’s passing in 2022, Roberto was visibly heart-broken in losing the love of his life. He battled bravely against liposarcoma all his life, enduring two open heart surgeries and surviving both. He endured countless bouts of radiation, chemotherapy and experimental cancer drugs. His bravery and resilience was admirable to all those that witnessed his struggle. On December 5, 2024 - Jesus called him home.

Roberto Gegante Tayag was the anchor that held us together, protected us and our families through all the storms of our life. His unfaltering love, his wisdom and his kindness will forever be missed.

Roberto Gegante Tayag, you are loved beyond measure and we look forward to someday reuniting with you in God’s kingdom. Until we meet again, we are forever yours.

Eternal rest grant unto Roberto, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.