Guillermo Gorospe's Obituary
Guillermo Gorospe Obituary
Guillermo Gorospe, affectionately referred to by many as Andy, was born on June 25, 1926.
Born in Pahala, which is located in Ka‘u, Hawai‘i, he often spoke proudly of being from Ka‘u and enjoyed reminiscing about his time growing up in Pahala. He would leave his home of Ka‘u upon being drafted into the military right after his high school graduation in 1945.
In 1946, he met Mercedes Espino in Liliha, O‘ahu, when he visited her family’s home. At the time, Andy was friends with one of her sister’s boyfriends, who was in the service with Andy. Mercy remembers the day well - she recalls him being very handsome, and she told her aunt, “I am going to marry that man.” Her assertion would prove to be prophetic, as they would be married in 1947. They would remain happily married for 76 years. During this time, they had four children and lived in various places around the world, including Indiana, Oklahoma, and Germany before buying their first home and settling down in Pearl City, Hawai‘i.
Throughout his life, Andy would work hard to provide for his family. He served in the military for 24 years, including World War II and the Korean War, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring. After his retirement from the military, he worked as an Administrative Officer in the Contracts & Grants Office at the University of Hawai?i at Manoa for another 16 years before retiring from the state.
Aside from work, Andy was very active, living life to the fullest. He enjoyed spear-fishing and was an avid tennis player. He also enjoyed ballroom dancing with Mercy. In his later years, Andy enjoyed playing poker with fellow residents at ‘Ilima, the independent senior living home to where he and Mercy moved in 2018. With each of these activities, he enjoyed the company of many friends over the years.
Andy is survived by his wife, Mercy, his four children, twelve grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. He talked often to his grandchildren about the importance of school, and his wisdom was well-received; he was very proud of their achievements. His grandchildren remember him as being nurturing, loving, and vibrant.
Andy spent the last five years living happily with his wife at ‘Ilima at Leihano in Kapolei, Hawai?i. Andy loved the administrators, staff, and fellow residents and friends at ‘Ilima. He often referred to ‘Ilima as “home, sweet home.”
Andy returned home on September 13, 2023. His family misses him dearly and will cherish many wonderful memories of him as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Mililani Mortuary Makai Chapel. Visitation begins at 5:30 pm; and service 6:00 pm. Burial 9:30 am at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
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