John de Ruchie Rose Jr.

After a three-year long battle with cancer, John de Ruchie Rose Jr. died on Thursday, August 6th, 2015 in La Jolla, CA at the age of 61. He leaves behind his wife, Maria Rose; his sons, Jose and John; and his daughter Rosina.

John was born on October 7th, 1953 in Pasadena, CA to father John de Ruchie Rose Sr. and mother Rosie Caringella. John spent the majority of his childhood in Placentia, CA with his brother David and sister Sheryl. John was a very active outdoorsman in his youth. Some of John’s favorite pastimes included hiking, and camping with friends as well as deer hunting with family.

John enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 24th, 1972. During his first enlistment, John served the majority of this time overseas in Europe. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1975. John remained in the U.S. Army reserves for four years thereafter, during which time he pursued his interests in horticulture and agronomy at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

While working at a nursery, John met and fell in love with Maria Josefina Mercado Elias, and the two were married on June 9th 1974. John re-enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1979 and continued to serve notably for another 18 years. During this time the couple raised three children; Jose, Rosina, and John. He would go on to serve a total of 26 years in the Army before retiring in 1998 and returning home to Oceanside, CA.

John transitioned back to civilian life and became involved in the marketing industry for the next 15 years. Along the way, John became involved in construction estimation and planning. This would eventually culminate with John opening his own construction consulting company in 2010. John continued to operate his own company until late 2012 when he was diagnosed with cancer and was unable to carry on his work.

John was a dedicated father, loving husband, and devoted grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his children, hiking, fishing, and shooting. He would often spend hours in conversation with them. The holidays were among his most favorite times of the year, as they were a time for food and family. After 40 years of marriage, John’s love for Maria never waned. He would often take her on spontaneous trips, concerts, dinners, and dancing. John was a proud American. He enjoyed following current events and being politically active in his community.

A visitation will take place at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in West Covina, CA on August 14th, 2015 between the hours of 4 and 9 PM. Catholic mass will be held at St. Louis of France Catholic Church in La Puente, the following day at 10 AM. His remains will be interred at the family plot in Resurrection Cemetery, Montebello at 11:30 AM. A reception at the home of Jose and Antonia Mendez will follow; all are welcome.

Footprints

One night I had a dream.

I was walking along the beach with the Lord

and across the sky flashed

scenes from my life.

In each scene, I noticed

two sets of footprints

in the sand, one belonged to me,

and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my

life flashed before me,

I looked back at the

footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many

times along the path of my life

there was only

one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened

at the worst times in my life.

This really bothered me and

I questioned the

LORD about it.

"LORD, you said that once

I decided to follow you, you would

walk with me all the way.

But I've noticed that

during times of trouble

there is only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why,

when I needed you most,

you would leave me."

The LORD replied,

"My precious, precious child, I love you and

I would never, never leave you

during your times of trial and suffering.

When you see only

one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you."