Jose Taitano: Jan. 30, 1932 – May 6, 2021

To be missed is to be loved

Mr. Jose Taitano, a Guam native and long- time resident of Skagit Valley, died in Mount Vernon, Wash., on Thursday, May 6, 2021. He was born in the small Chamorro village of Sinajana and grew up in Yigo.

In Guam, he met the love of his life and married Genoveva. Jose served a career in the U.S. Navy. He moved to the United States in 1958 with his wife and their daughter Jane. They became a family of four in 1965 when their son Joseph was born.

In the summer of 1967, they settled in Washington state, where Jose spent the rest of his life. He was a hard worker and provider for his family. As a war veteran, he retired from the Navy in 1970 and worked in the Civil Service for 20 years.

Much of his life was spent working, starting as early as a child farming and fishing. However, Jose was the happiest when surrounded by his family. Time was well spent with island BBQs, lounging in the living room and getting squeezes from his great grandchildren. He could be found in the kitchen making his perfected bibinka or at the table serenading with his guitar.

In 2018, Jose’s dream was fulfilled when he traveled back to the islands with his family. His heart was overjoyed to share his heritage, see family and friends, including his last remaining brother in law, Ben and indulge in the Chamorro grub.

Jose is survived by his daughter Jane, of Anacortes, Wash., and her husband John and his son Joseph, of Mount Vernon.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Zachary and his wife Ijeva and their children, Ahneira and Jeffrey, Francesca, Britni and her husband Kellen, with their son Larson. He is also survived by his siblings, Frances, Pete, George, Johnny and David. He is preceded in death by his wife Genoveva and son in-law Jeff.

Jose was laid to rest beside his “duhling” on Friday, May 14 at Mount Vernon Cemetery In a graveside service with military honors. Pallbearers were Joseph, John, Zach and Kellen. Services were under the care of Kern Funeral Home.