Rodolfo Rocutan Obituary, Death – Confirmed to have been Rodolfo Rocutan, age 76 RIL — The Philippine Consulate in Honolulu announced on Tuesday that the death toll from the devastating wildfires that occurred on Maui on August 8 has increased by one additional Filipino resident. Rodolfo Rocutan, 76, was recognized as the second Filipino victim, and he was one of the five most recent fatalities that were discovered by the officials of Maui County on August 20. The Philippine consulate on Maui stated that Rocutan lived in the town of Lahaina, which is situated in the island’s western region. In the meantime, Rocutan’s granddaughter Rhea Valenzuela provided further evidence of his passing. “Papa Joe was my grandpa’s brother before he passed away.
However, he conducted himself toward me and treated me as though I were his own grandchild. As a Father and Grandfather, he is known for his wisdom, friendliness, concern, and love. “Unfortunately, his wife, Mommy Renang, passed away in the year 2021 (COVID time),” she wrote in a Facebook post. “All of his immediate family is currently residing in the Philippines, which includes his sons.” “He’s living in Lahaina, Maui with his sister Grandma/Mommy Ely, who survived the Lahaina, Maui Wildfire,” she said. “They lost their house and didn’t save anything, either.” According to Valenzuela, both his family in Hawaii and his family in the Philippines will undoubtedly miss him.
“We will never forget his gorgeous laugh, and he always makes sure to check up on all of us to make sure we’re doing okay. He has a lovely demeanor and is an overall wonderful man. “Good soul,” she said in an interview with CNN Philippines. Valenzuela further revealed that although currently residing in the United States, her “Papa Oppo” will never lose his sense of national pride because of his Filipino heritage. “He takes pride in being Filipino. despite the fact that he is finally realizing his dream of living in the United States,” Valenzuela disclosed. “Filipino Immigrant, he did not change his nationality,” the sentence reads. Additionally, Rocutan’s granddaughter has started a GoFundMe page in order to raise money for her grandfather’s burial expenses.
However, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine government would provide Rocutan’s family with financial help. Emilio Fernandez, the Consul General of the Philippines, stated in a statement that “The Consulate has reached out to a relative of the late Mr. Rocutan to convey its deepest sympathies and offer the Philippine government’s support and assistance, including cremation and repatriation of remains as requested.” “The Consulate has offered the support and assistance of the Philippine government, including cremation and repatriation of remains as requested.”
