Raul Baytan Del Rosario

On Thursday, October 8, 2020, Raul “Rudy” Baytan del Rosario, loving husband and father of three sons, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 84. He returned to his heavenly home after a long, valiant battle with multiple myeloma and diabetes. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his health struggles and ultimately gave him peace.

Raul was born on July 3, 1936 in Cavite City, Philippines to the late Fidel, Sr. and Peregrina del Rosario. He attended Cavite City High School and was a member of their graduating class of 1953. Following graduation, he enrolled as a pre-med student at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. In 1954, he met his future wife, Corazon on an excursion. They would eventually wed in 1960. Raul then completed his MD from Manila Central University in 1962. He was a public health doctor in his hometown of Cavite City from 1962 to 1969. He was known for his compassion in working with his patients and was a respected public servant.

Raul and his wife and his then two sons family immigrated to the United States in 1969 and established roots in San Diego and as a parishioner of St. Rita’s Catholic Church. At St. Rita’s, he became a Eucharistic Minister, serving the Body and Blood of Christ during Communion at Mass and for the sick. He also became involved with the Filipino-American Community of St. Rita’s where he dedicated his time and energy toward countless church and fundraising activities. Raul made numerous close, lifelong friendships with other St. Rita parishioners, many of whom became his extended family. Raul had another extended family from his approximate 30 year tenure at Paradise Valley Hospital. Most of these years were spent with the Respiratory Care department, where he was a supervisor. He was a respected Respiratory Therapist at PVH and befriended many staff and colleagues there until his retirement.

Raul was funny, practical, kindhearted, generous, compassionate, and stubborn – traits that he passed down to his sons. He enjoyed watching sports, always rooting for the local sports teams especially the Padres and Aztecs and the Chargers too even after they left San Diego. Starting as a youth and continuing to his later years, Raul loved watching movies, especially “action movies” – something that he again passed onto his sons. He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially if that meant visiting the local casinos. He would perk up at just the notion of going to the casino, even when not feeling well.

Raul will be remembered as a family oriented man, always wanting for his family to be happy and safe. He carried this to his last days, worrying more about his family members over his own terminal condition. He will always be remembered as being one-half of the fairytale romance he shared with his loving wife of 60 years, Corazon. They were practically in separable, always seen hand in hand or side by side, even until his last breath.

Raul was preceded in death by his father and mother; his brothers, David and Tomas, and sister, Elenita. He is survived by his devoted wife, Corazon; his three sons and their wives, Ramon and Teri, Robert and Heidi, and Rhoel and Danielle; four grandchildren, Amber, Nicki, Jake, and Ryan, and a step granddaughter, Leanne; 4 great grandchildren and 3 step-great grandchildren; brothers Teodoro and Fidel, Jr. and their families; and the beloved family French Bulldog, Rain, who misses her grandpa so much.

A visitation for Raul will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary in Bonita, CA, on Friday, October 23. On Saturday, October 24, a memorial mass will be held at St. Rita’s church at 5124 Churchward St, San Diego, CA 92114. Interment will be at Glen Abbey on Tuesday, October 27. Flowers may be sent to Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Rd, Bonita, CA 91902.