Jose Tainatongo

Jose can be described in many words in two different ways of life! When it came to family, he was compassionate, wise, jokester, stubborn, caring… when he was a working man, he was a leader, hard worker, positive and strong minded. These are just some of many words to describe Jose, but those who got a chance to meet him got the opportunity to embrace what a wonderful man he was.

He could hold a conversation for hours and tell you stories for days! Stories of many accomplishments and life learning experiences that made him the man he came to be. Some of his favorite stories would be when he was working as a civil servicer for the Department of the Navy, also back home for the Government of Guam. But he would love to tell his love story about his late wife Sylvia, he would talk highly of her and talk about wonderful memories they shared. Later, Jose got remarried to Lourdes whom he built a strong, affectionate and devoted marriage with and created more stories to tell. Because of him, Jose’s family has lifelong memories of love, never ending support and wonderful life lessons. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and the love and dedication he had for his family and friends. He was a friend to all and stranger to none. His influence and love captured the respect of those that were around him.

Jose was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. One of many things he would love to talk and brag about! He was a very political man; his favorite news station was the Fox News watching Hannity and Bill O’ Reilly. One of his most favorite places to be will be in front of his organ making freestyle melodies and mixing beats to various genres like cha-cha and salsa. Jose loved attending mass at St Gabriel church and going to family functions like fiestas, birthdays and weddings even if he can barely walk, it was his devotion to be there for his loved ones!

Before his illness started taking a toll on him, Jose’s hobbies will be doing outdoor leisure’s such as watering his roses, maintaining the yard, planting trees and plants. He liked being outside socializing with neighbors and enjoying the cool breeze during summer days especially when it was time for family BBQ’s! He enjoyed traveling, like when he and his wife Lourdes will drive to California or to Oregon to visit family. The one phrase he would repeat over and over again especially to his grandchildren “why do you have to be told to do something, take leadership and get the job done!” If you asked him, what is your favorite color he would say “brown” …because I’m brown! And that’s where his wise jokes will come in!

Jose will be remembered as the “Story Teller” to his grandchildren, the “Drill Sergeant” to his nieces and nephews and the “General” to his children as well as the many embodied attributes given from family and friends! For the numerous smiles he placed on many faces with his presence and words of wisdom! He will always hold a place in our hearts and continuous memories in our souls!