Jose V. Trinidad Obituary
Jose "Joe" V. Trinidad, 64, passed away on August 1st, 2020.
Born on June 22, 1956, in Catanduanes, Bicol, Philippines as the son of Tien Po Chua and Severina Trinidad. Joe was an intrinsically genuine and caring person. His caring nature was ingrained into his livelihood, as he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from De Los Santos College of Nursing in Quezon City. In October 1980, Joe immigrated from the Philippines to Chicago in order to establish his own career in America. Quickly realizing that he didn't like the snow or cold weather, Joe traveled West, to the Bay Area. Just six months later, while in San Francisco, Joe was introduced to Rosalina "Lynn" Gutierrez through his cousin and Lynn's co-worker. Joe fell in love with Lynn and soon married his best friend. Their partnership cemented Joe's lifelong dedication to be a loving and supportive husband, father, and grandfather, and it established roots which continue to this day.
Soon after, Joe began his nursing career at the Summit Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Oakland. His time with the unit came to define the compassion, toughness, critical thinking and empathy that made him so successful in his career. While in this position, Joe excelled in leadership, while also exhibiting the true characteristics of nursing. He cared for all patients and family with the same care and tenderness that Joe cared for his own children. He was strict, fair, and disciplined with his unit, but was always still willing to help a colleague in need. He led by example and consistency; and was often referred to as a 'vampire' due to his ability to insert IV lines into the most difficult patients. For 38 years, Joe exemplified the epitome of what it meant to be a nurse, and his hard work and compassion was endless. He continued to thrive in his nursing career until 2019.
Joe's passions included traveling, doing so with an always impeccable sense of fashion. His passport was filled with exotic and cultural locations from Jerusalem and Turkey, to China and Thailand. He loved relaxing on beaches and shopping at bazaars with his friends and family. He also enjoyed the simple things in life. Joe loved to work in his garden, in which he grew award winning orchids, and in his spare time, he also created flower arrangements.
Family meant everything to Joe. He always emphasized the importance of family gatherings and spending time together, enjoying meals both in restaurants and at home. Joe's extremely giving heart was most demonstrated through him always having an extra seat at the table for anyone visiting. Sunday morning dim sum was always his favorite.
Even as Joe continued to battle lung cancer, and during his final days in hospice, he continued to value the simple moments gathered with his family and friends. From watching cartoons with his granddaughters, to movie time with the family. His legacy of selflessness, kindness, and hard work continues on with his family.
Surviving are his wife, Rosalina 'Lynn' Trinidad, son, Jeffrey and daughter in-law, Kimberly; granddaughters Eva and Audrey, daughter, Melanie and son in-law Jarvis, and daughter, Marielle.
Joe was predeceased by his parents: Tien Po Chua and Severina Trinidad.
