Guillermo Rolon

Guillermo Rolon Ortiz, affectionately known as Papi Guillo, passed away peacefully in Wayne, N.J. on December 14, 2019 surrounded by his family.

Guillermo was born on June 25, 1924 to Fructoso and Rita Rolon in Cidra, Puerto Rico. He was part of a large family of siblings which included sisters: Alicia, Dulce, Carmen, Hilda, Lucy, Aida, Norma and Irma and brothers Jose, Baltazar, Raymond, Pedro, Juan, Angel Luis, Juan Alberto, Angelo, William, and Hector.

He spent most of his young life watching and taking care of his family, teaching them the value of work and discipline. After some time, Guillermo would move to Aibonito, Puerto Rico where he met his first wife, Felicita Rolon. The two would move to Cayey, Puerto Rico shortly after, where they would welcome into the world their children, Luisa I. Rolon and Jose G. Rolon. During that time he also served in the US Army and was stationed in many places throughout the world including France and Germany.

Guillermo and Felicita left Puerto Rico and lived for a number of years in Brooklyn, NY where they raised both Luisa and Jose. Eventually they would move back to Rio Piedras, P.R. then to Turabo Gardens in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

In the winter of 1997, Felicita Rolon Ortiz would pass and make Guillermo a widower, until he would meet and later marry Maria Nery Trinidad and then relocated to Carolina, Puerto Rico. The two remained together until she passed in July 2013 and made him a widower once again.

Papi Guillo would spend his professional life as a Post Office worker where he would eventually become and retire as a Postal Police Officer in Puerto Rico. It is in Puerto Rico where he spent lots of time with his grandchildren on their summer visits. Much of this time was spent travelling to the beautiful beaches of Escambron and Isla Verde, las Fiestas Patronales de Aibonito and Cayey, wrestling events held at various sports arenas, and his favorite, las Fiestas de los Aibonitenos Ausentes.


Guillermo Rolon is survived by his children Luisa and Jose and their respective spouses Carmelo Diaz and Ivonne Rolon.

Don Guillermo has an incredible legacy reflected in the faces of his grandchildren and their spouses: Nestor I. Melendez and Lillian Vidal, Leslie A. and Elliot Vazquez, Lisa I. Melendez and Isaac Rivera, Joseph C. Rolon and Mariana Silfa, Mercedes Bayon, Franklin R. and Christin Martinez, and Mark A. Rolon and fiancee Rebecca Biscotti.

His grandchildren would bring further blessings to him in the form of his great-grandchildren: Kenneth E. Vazquez, Aaron J. Vazquez, Joie C. Rolon, Olivia P. Rivera, Leah E. Vazquez, Brooklyn Melendez, Reia F. Martinez, and most recently Anaia H. Martinez.

In a time when too many fathers disappear or remain absent from their families, Guillermo Rolon serves as an example of the steadfast and earnest love that a man can deliver to his loved ones. Whether dispensing sage advice, critical feedback, singing a "Le-Lo-Lai" during a paranda, jugando dominos or simply sitting back and watching his favorite NY Yankees play ball, he was a father for every generation and a role model for how to live a long and fruitful life. A proud and noble man, Guillermo will be missed but never forgotten.

Not - How did he die? But - How did he live?
Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart?
And - How did he play his God-given part?
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed?
But - Had he befriended those really in need?
Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say?
But - How many were sorry when he passed away?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
The Measure of a Man - Anonymous

Tu ausencia llena mis ojos de lagrimas y aflige mi corazon,
Mientras que tu recuerdo llena todo mi ser de una gran satisfaccion.
Ese luz que ahora desprendes, sera la guia en mi vida
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