Alejandro Rosario, Sr.

In loving memory of Alejandro Rosario Rivera, affectionately known as "PAI," who peacefully passed away at the age of 91 in Orange Park, Florida, on Friday, July 28, 2023. He was surrounded by the love and presence of his devoted wife, Carmen Ocasio, with whom he shared 67 beautiful years.

Alejandro was born on July 28, 1932, in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, to the late Felix Rosario Rodriguez and Maria Rivera Sanchez. Proudly descended from the indigenous Taino people, his early life was uniquely spent in a rainforest cave. He lived as a dedicated Christian, faithfully serving God, and also served his country as a United States Army Infantry veteran during the Korean War.

After his military service, Alejandro returned to Puerto Rico, where he met his beloved wife Carmen. Together, they began a family and owned a successful retail convenience enterprise before eventually relocating to Chicago and starting a new store there. Finally, after many years of hard work and dedication, they retired to his cherished roots in Rio Grande.

In addition to his loving family, Alejandro had several passions that brought him immense joy. He was an avid fan of the White Sox baseball team and followed their games with great enthusiasm. When he wasn't cheering for his favorite team, he found solace and satisfaction in gardening, nurturing beautiful plants that bloomed with life in his care. However, in his later years, Pai had to be watched as he would chop plants with his machete, even though, they didn’t belong to him. Moreover, Alejandro had a talent for working with cement, creating artistic and functional pieces that showcased his skill and creativity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his four brothers, Samuel, Joaquin, Antonio, and Felipe Rosario, and his grandson Darius Sidhwa.

Left to cherish his memory and carry forward his legacy are his sister, Augustina (Tinin) Ocasio, and his children Alejandro Jr., Elsa Brelsford, and Orlando Rosario. He was a loving grandfather to Michelle Dehn, Sharrie Bauer, Orlando Rosario Jr., Alejandro Rosario III, Carlie Rosario, and Melanie Rosario. His great-grandchildren, Cyrus, Archer, and Zara Dehn, Aiden and Sienna Bauer, and Adrian and Andrea Rosario, will continue to cherish his memory.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the home of their sons, where family and friends gathered to honor and remember this remarkable man.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Pai's memory, please consider making a contribution to a meaningful cause he supported:

El Yunque Stewardship Fund Forest

Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/elyunque/home/?cid=fseprd697782

May his soul rest in eternal peace and may his memory forever be a blessing to those who knew and loved him.