Obituary of Rolando Caparas Galicia

Rolando Caparas Galicia of Succasunna, NJ passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Merry Heart Care Center surrounded by his loving family. He was 81 years old. Rolando was born on February 15, 1943, in Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines to the late Benjamin and the late Julita (Caparas) Galicia. Rolando graduated with a B.S. in Architecture from Far Eastern University, one of the top universities in Manila, Philippines. He was an architect and project manager throughout his career working on various projects that included U.S. Navy projects during the Vietnam War and research and development facilities for major pharma and oil companies. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1969 with plans to build a better future for his family. He resided in NYC, Westchester County, NY and then in Roxbury Twp., NJ for nearly 49 years. He was a devout catholic and a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Flanders, NJ. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, making beer and wine, cooking, barbecue get-togethers, parties, dancing, music, traveling, and his favorite vacation spot on Little Conch Key Island in Marathon, Florida Keys. Most importantly, Rolando loved spending time with his cherished family and dear friends. He adored his nine grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Rita Galicia, his devoted daughters, and sons-in-law: Rosaline & Kevin O'Connor, Rosemarie & John Doonan, Rowena & Michael Ver Hoven, and Joan & Andre Kirnes. Other survivors include his cherished grandchildren: Kevin, Riley, Paige, Jake, Faith, Ethan, Liam, Elijah, and Julien; his sister, Milagros (Mel); his brother, Ramon (Queenie); and his nieces and nephews: Marizel, Michael, Richard, Rey, Robert, Rachael, Ryan, and RJ. He was predeceased by his brothers, Jesus, Rey, and Ranulfo Galicia. Rolando's 's Life Celebration Services will include a Memorial Gathering on Saturday, March 2nd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm with Catholic Prayer Service offered at 1:30 pm at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ 07850. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association, ALZ.org.