Obituary of Mr. Jose Nathaniel Rozal

~ In Memory of Jose Nathaniel Manalo Rozal ~ 

 

Jose Nathaniel or Jonat- a man of boundless love, laughter, life and faith left this world on February 2, 2021 at the age of 57. 

 

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Jonat was the oldest of three children to Norma Manalo and Ruperto Rozal. He moved with his family to Toronto, Canada after completing high school at Don Bosco Makati and some college at the Mapua Institute of Technology in the early 80's. He worked for many years at Grand & Toy, retiring late last year after over 35 years of service. 

 

Family and friends were at the centre of the life of this thoughtful and loving man. No one was ever out of mind with Jonat. His memory of birthdays, wedding and death anniversaries, and every other special occasion in the life of every one of his loved ones and friends… is legend. 

 

Jonat was a specially cherished part of many circles of friends: his childhood crew Lahi, his schoolmates at Don Bosco Makati and Mapua, the fraternity Tau Gamma Phi, his co-workers at Grand & Toy, and on to all their extended families.

 

Jonat was always popping up at people’s homes - often unannounced - bearing treats of Filipino food and sweets, and always with many stories that kept everyone entertained and in stitches. Jonat adored his many nieces, nephews and godchildren, and made a point of always sharing special moments with them.

 

Jonat was a big sports fan who used his prodigious memory for sports stories, stats and trivia. He loved his adoptive championship city of Toronto, especially for the glory years of the 90's Jays and the '19 Raptors championship. He would have loved to witness, for heaven's sake, his beloved Leafs take the Cup in his lifetime.

 

His effervescent smile and playfulness belied struggles with his health. Jonat was a long-time dialysis patient at Sunnybrook Hospital, and was popular with hospital staff and fellow patients he called "classmates" for his cheery presence. He received a long-awaited kidney transplant at Toronto General just a little over two years ago.

 

Jonat is predeceased by his father Ruperto, aunts Remy and Mila, and uncles Augusto and Cliff. He is survived by his mother Norma, sister Remiel, brother Reginald, sister-in-law Judy, nieces Jade, Jenna and Jessie. 

 

He also leaves behind aunts, Sophie, Maria Luz, Evelyn and Fides, uncle, Alfredo, longtime partner Edthen and her son Daniel and his many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren.  

 

For 57 years Jonat touched the lives of so many with his affecting laughter, big heart, and generous spirit. He is going to be dearly missed. Long may Jonat’s LOVE live in all of us. 

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

 

Sunnybrook “Hemodialysis Unit”

https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/tribute

 

Toronto General “Transplant Unit”

https://support.tgwhf.ca/site/Donation2?1486.donation=form1&df_id=1486&mfc_pref=T&s_src=DIGADOTG