Michael F. Guerrero

After a long 47-day hospitalization with COVID-19, Michael Fiorello Rutaquio Guerrero, 63, passed away on February 9, 2021 at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - Riverside.

Red, as he is known to many, was the eldest son of Jorge Glemao Guerrero and Lydia Rutaquio Guerrero. He was born on September 29,1957 in Baler Aurora, Philippines. He was "Kuya" (older brother) to Oliver, Rene, and Dennis, a loving father to Maria Rebecca Guerrero and a beloved husband to late Maria Cristina Guerrero.

In his youth, Red actively participated in many extra-curricular activities at school. He was involved in the "Rondalla" - an ensemble of stringed instruments - playing upright bass, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and other student organizations. He achieved many academic honors while attending San Beda Grade School.

Red became a member of the Jr. Varsity Softball team in high school, playing 1st baseman as a lefty and while serving as a member of the Special Drill Platoon of San Beda High School's ROTC. He also became a member of the singing ensemble called "Unang Sigaw" (translated as First Shout) which competed nationally and won in Inter-School Chorale Competition. As a high school senior, he participated in an exchange student program and was sent to the State of Pennsylvania and graduated in North Penn High School.

During his college years, he took Industrial Management Engineering at De La Salle University (DLSU), Philippines. It was while he was still in college that he met his future wife of 32 years, Cristy, a talented young dancer from St. Paul's College. He also joined the DLSU NCAA Varsity Softball Team for a couple of years before his love for singing kept him busy as a member of the college chorale, later leading as the choir president in his senior year of college. Red's natural talent led to his next endeavor, becoming one of the lead singers of a singing group known as The First Born Child. The First Born Child was featured in many daytime television shows in the Philippines back in the 70s and 80s.

After college, Red pursued his career in singing and was later on joined by his fiancé Cristy. Together, they performed around the Philippines and abroad. During one of their travels to Macau, China, Red searched for something more and started to attend a local baptist church where he came to know the Lord.

In 1988, they started a new chapter and decided to get married after 10 years of courtship. Red decided to change careers and started a position Bayan Telecommunications where he later served as the Associate Vice President. Red, accustomed to juggling multiple roles since elementary school, started pastoring a small church that started in the living room of their own home, with the help of the missionary pastor he met in Macau. A church later became known as Bible Way Baptist Church in Cubao, Quezon City.

A few months after the September 11 attacks, in March 2002, Red, Cristy, and Mikki relocated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to continue his education in the ministry. As a newly immigrated couple, Red and Cristy searched for entry level jobs regardless of their esteemed positions in the Philippines to be able to support themselves. They worked at Citibank as Customer Service Representatives, which launched their 18+ years in the banking industry. While working full time, Red finished his Master of Divinity at Great Plains Baptist College.

In 2006, Red moved his family one last time from Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Southern California. He continued to serve in the ministry at Grace Baptist Church while working at Bank of America. Red loved the Lord and continued to use his gift in singing at his church, and in the community as a member of the Circle City Chorale.

He resided in Riverside, CA at the time of his passing. He was loved by many and known to be a patient, kind, humble and faithful servant to the Lord. We love you Red.

He will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, California.