Pedro Viluan Rosario, 83, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bellingham, on Jan. 4, 2008. Pete was born Oct. 25, 1924, in San Carlos, Pangasinan, Philippines to Simplicio and Josefa Rosario. He was one of 11 children.

Pete was raised in the Philippines. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1946, in Cavite City as an aviation storekeeper. The Navy brought him to the United States. While stationed on the East Coast, Pete met a young registered nurse working in pediatrics in Wilmington, Del. A romance blossomed and on Feb. 17, 1956, Pete and Merlea Dulce Mendoza were married in Philadelphia.

The Navy transferred Pete and Merlea to New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Kansas, to several duty stations in California and in 1967, to NAS Whidbey Island. Pete retired in March of 1968 with over 21 years of military service.

Pete began a second career working at NAS Whidbey Island Supply Department as a warehouseman. He retired from NAS Whidbey with more than 30 years of federal service.

Pete was a member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church of Oak Harbor and a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Whidbey-Fidalgo Assembly.

Pete enjoyed working on his house and his large yard. He was an avid bowler for many years, participating in the Civil Service League at Oak Bowl. He also loved cars and was always looking for a new one to own. Pete adored his wife and was most proud of his children and grandchildren.

Pete is survived by four children and their spouses: Rosalie Rosario-Hollinshead and husband Bruce of El Mirage, Ariz.; Peter Rosario and wife Julie of Sedro-Woolley; Linda Rosario and husband Paul Leeper of Bellevue; and Lisa Hollingsworth and husband Joel of Snoqualmie. Also six grandchildren: D’Ana Gwin, Stephanie Rosario, Jamie Rosario, Kaela Rosario, Joshua Surratt and Michael Surratt, and six brothers and sisters: Conchita Soriano, Frinadid Aquino, Lydia Conopio, Rudy Rosario, Sophia Coehlo and Mely Estoque.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Merlea, in 2003 and by siblings, Adelida, Tony, Angel and Jose.

Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, Jan. 10, at Burley Funeral Chapel from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rosary will be recited at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church on Thursday at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11, with Rev. Jerry Kinzle as Celebrant. Rites of interment will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery with full military honors under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. A reception will follow at the Parish Hall.