Rogelio Masanga Ibarra's Obituary
Rogelio “Roger” M. Ibarra was born in Manila Philippines on January 13, 1941 to Jose O. Ibarra Jr. and Socorro M. Ibarra. Jose was a well-respected electronics engineer in the country. Socorro was a loving mother of 7 children, 5 boys (including Roger) and 2 daughters. Roger was neighbors with his best friend, Bernardita “Ditas”. Teasingly the two were called “womb- mates” because their mothers were best friends, next door neighbors and they were pregnant at the same time. Roger and Ditas were born one month apart and grew up together. Roger spent his first part of his life trying to get Ditas’ attention. In 1965, one of his life dreams came true and they were married. His next dream transpired in 1966 with the birth of their one and only child, Roger Bernard L. Ibarra. Ditas had a dream to come to the United States and Roger’s unconditional love for her would carry out that dream. In 1968, Roger arrived in San Diego, CA by himself to begin the naturalization process. He was separated from his beloved wife for 8 months, the only time they were separated their entire life but a sacrifice that would be the catalyst to an extraordinary life. His wife Ditas and their 2 ½ year old son, Roger B. would join him in San Diego as soon as their petition was approved. Roger was highly skilled. He graduated with honors to receive his first Bachelors of Science degree at the Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT). He later received 4 more Bachelor of Science degrees in multiple engineering disciplines along with several graduate certificates. He also held a professional estimator license and professional engineering license (P.E.). Roger gave up his established career as a Project Manager in Trans Asia, Philippines to take a job as Draftsman’s Assistant, making minimum wage in the United States. It did not take Roger long to become an Estimator which led to his position as an Assistant Engineer. Roger was promoted to a Project Manager at General Dynamics and later he became the Project Manager for San Diego and Imperial County Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD). Roger had many distinguished accomplishments including designing the electrical distribution system for University City High School, San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant, Point Loma Power Plant, helping the launch of the first cellular phone system in California and many more. Roger is survived by his wife Ditas Ibarra, son Roger B. Ibarra, daughter-in-law Sherie Kainz Ibarra and grandson Roger W. Ibarra. Roger was a member of St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church since 1968. He sang with the Peace and Harmony singers in addition to the Filipino-American choir. He was a Eucharistic Minister at three parishes. And, he was a founding board member for Kaisa, a non-profit organization assisting seminarians in the Philippines. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kaisa in care of Ditas Ibarra. The vigil will be held Friday, April 26th at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church in San Diego. The viewing will begin at 5:00pm. The rosary will begin at 6:30pm. The reception will be in the parish hall. The funeral mass will be held Saturday, April 27th at 11:00 am at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church in San Diego. Lunch will follow in the parish hall.The burial will be held Tuesday, April 30th at 11:00 am at El Camino Memorial in the Garden of the Resurrection. Reception will follow at Savory Buffett, 7040 Miramar Road. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call Clairemont Mortuary. Video view log in http://youtu.be/cU99jQYstpEClairemont Mortuary4266 Mt. Abernathy Ave.San Diego, California 92117858-279-2211
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