Rosendo G. Berganio

97 years old died peacefully, April 23, 2007 at his Bainbridge Island home surrounded by his family. He was the oldest living Filipino pioneer and the first farmer (strawberries & raspberries) on Bainbridge Island. During the Japanese Internment he cared for several farms.He was born March 10, 1910 in Carcarmay, Bacnotan La Union, Philippines to Sinforoso and Inocencia Berganio. He had 3 sisters, Alejandra, Petra & Maria who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Felicidad O. Berganio, one son Rosendo Jr., three daughters; Donna Ishii (Chris), Julie Berganio (Tracy) and Brenda Diaz (Conrado), one granddaughter Jessica, two grandsons Aaron and Trent, two nephews and three nieces from Salinas, California and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren on his sister's side.Rosendo served in the US Army during WWII. He was decorated with several medals; the Good Conduct award, Philippine Campaign, American Theatre ribbon, Victory Medal, two Philippine liberation medals, Asiatic Pacific ribbon, New Guinea campaign & WWII victory medals. He was with his company when they were sent for mapping operations in New Guinea, Leyte and Samar, Philippines. He came back to the US and received an honorable discharge in 1947.He worked for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton as a landscaper for 27 years. He was a life member of the VFW Post 6599 in Seattle. He was an active member of the Filipino American Community of Bainbridge Island and vicinity.After retirement, he was a gardener for several families on the Island. His true passions were gardening and his family. Up until his death, he was tending to his raspberry and vegetable gardens. He also loved to use his weedwacker, whenever no one was looking.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Monday, April 30, 2007 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and attend the Recitation of The Rosary at 7:00 PM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island, Washington [Map]. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 10:00 AM also at the church. Interment will take place at Seabold Cemetery. A reception will follow the services at the Filipino Community Hall on Bainbridge.Arrangements by Cook Family Funeral Home.