Johnny Davalos Soriano

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Johnny Davalos Soriano who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Johnny was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Johnny knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Johnny was born on August 6, 1936 in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. His parents were Eusebio and Juana Soriano. Johnny was raised in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Johnny learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Johnny was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Johnny was raised with three younger siblings, Socorro, Eusebio Jr. and Baltazar.

Johnny's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Johnny enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In his spare time he liked to sing.

In school, Johnny was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Johnny was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Johnny’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Ilocos Sur National High School. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Johnny’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Johnny’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Johnny saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He attended some courses from Divine Word College.

Johnny was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Johnny was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Johnny came to expect his high standards of performance. Later in life, he became friends with mostly all of the members of the Couples For Christ.

An objective and conscientious individual, Johnny reveled in the security of his family. On September 18, 1961 Johnny exchanged wedding vows with Corazon Buza at the Saint James Parish Church in Santiago City, Philippines. One of Johnny’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Johnny was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Johnny would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Johnny was blessed with seven children, five daughters, Annabelle, Cynthia, Joycelyn, Nerissa (deceased), Claire, and two sons, Ariel and Victor. He was also blessed with fifteen grandchildren, John, Anthony, Mary Joy, Janelle, Kristoffer, Lorenz, William Thomas, Nicole, John Paul, Judea, Joanna, Joshua, Nathaniel, Aaron, Chelsea, and Ethan.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Johnny was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Johnny was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Johnny upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a business owner. He was employed for 40 years as a business owner and 15 years as a security guard. Johnny was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Johnny approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were bowling. Johnny was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

A civic-minded person, Johnny was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Johnny was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Knights of Columbus, the Lions Club, Couples for Christ, and the Parish Church Encharistic Ministry. During these years, Johnny applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Johnny. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Church in San Jose, California for 12 years and Saint James Parish Church in the Philippines before moving to the United States. During that time, he was a Encharistic Minister.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Johnny used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Johnny had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included some Mexico Cruises, Spain, London, Hawaii, and New York.

When Johnny’s retirement finally arrived in 2010, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in staying active in Church and joining the local chapter of Couples For Christ. In many ways, Johnny loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Johnny passed away on March 2, 2012 at home in San Jose, California. He fought a brave battle against lung cancer. He is survived by his wife Corazon; his children Annabelle, Cynthia, Ariel, Joycelyn, Claire, and Victor; and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Services were held at Most Holy Trinity Church in San Jose, California. Johnny was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

All who knew him would agree that Johnny was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Johnny Davalos Soriano did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.