Mel Gutierrez Sr. was born on Dec 10, 1934 in the small barrio of Sorosoro, in the Batangas province of the Philippines. As the eldest of 12, his responsibilities were great but his determination to overcome hardship and poverty was even greater. Having witnessed and survived the ravages of WWII at an early age, he struggled to eke out a living in his family's farm as he matured to adulthood. Early adulthood meant relocating to the big city - Manila - where he would eventually attend college at Feati University. Once there, greater opportunities would avail themselves as he completed his college degree in Business Administration in 1965 - just in time to take advantage of the newly passed U.S. Immigration Act of 1965. This momentous legislation marked the beginning of not only the largest migration wave of Filipinos yet to the U.S., but it also heralded the beginning of the family's presence in the U.S. In 1971, Mel was approved a professional visa and would follow along the long historical journey that many others before him and many more after him would make - from the province, to the city, to the U.S. This immigration scenario would replay itself many times over as Mel would become the immigration conduit for his family, his mother, his siblings and their families.

In the U.S., Mel settled in San Francisco where a vibrant Filipino community existed. Within a few years he attained a Civil Servant position with the City of San Francisco, securing a steady livelihood for his growing family. In the following decades, he found success in the Bay Area's financial and real estate industries. Fishing became a pastime that he enjoyed and cherished, while providing sustenance for his family. In many ways fishing became a parable for his life in the U.S. Just as Jesus was a "fisherman of men," Mel was a fisherman for his larger family, enabling them to find a new life with new opportunities in a new land. It is his story of hopeful struggle and perseverance that ultimately defines why we find ourselves gathered to celebrate his life; whether we are here as a direct outcome of his efforts or we have been indirectly affected by someone who he has brought into our lives, we have all benefitted from his life - we are his legacy.

With Sincere Gratitude

The widow, Rosario V. Gutierrez and family of Mel Gutierrez, Sr., gratefully thank all of you who have generously shared your time, prayed for him and
consoled us during this difficult time of grief and sorrow.

Our family conveys our deepest gratitude and thanks to those who attend the Prayer Services, the Holy Rosary Vigil and the Celebration of Life.

To our Beloved Mel V. Gutierrez, Sr., we pray:

May the Lord keep you and grant you eternal rest.
May he give you perpetual light to shine your way,
for your soul to rest in peace with the mercy of God.