Mario “OCA” Serrano Tolentino was born on November 23, 1952, in Quezon City, Philippines to parents, Juan & Merced Tolentino. He was the third of four children, however all of Mario’s siblings looked up to him as if he was the eldest. Mario’s father worked a lot, so he stepped up to lead and care for his siblings. Additionally, he took the responsibility of helping his father tend to their family’s growing business, Tolentino’s Poultry Supply Hatchery - one of the biggest poultry and feeds supply chain nationwide. Even at an early age, Mario oversaw the delivery schedules of supplies to their increasing buyers. He also watched over their property rentals particularly the market stalls in Novaliches, Quezon City, the city he grew up in.

Mario was someone who always sought adventure and genuinely enjoyed living life to its fullest. As a child and all the way to adulthood, he loved to play tennis with his dad. It ultimately led to professionally playing as a father/son duo, winning various tournaments all throughout the Philippines. The unrivaled Tolentino duo quickly rose to fame as the formidable pair made headlines throughout major cities in the Philippines.

In the early 70s, Mario graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, a Catholic Dominican university with a degree in Business Management. To add to his thirst for adventure, he also graduated from flying school at Patts College of Aeronautics. In 1975, Mario immigrated to the United States to spread his wings and make a life for himself. He managed to secure a principal post that quickly led to a supervisory position at an electronic company in Silicon Valley while simultaneously pursuing his education in the fields of technology & computer science at a private-career college, Heald College.

After a short period of time, Mario earned the title of Sustaining Engineer where he oversaw a large production and manufacturing operations team at National Semiconductor, a multinational and world-class semiconductor company specializing in analog electronic and integrated circuits. He deserved his newfound title for his precision, magnetic personality, and managerial acumen. Mario became part of National’s growing industrial and manufacturing markets that eventually led to acquisitions of military defense and aerospace contracts. He was then assigned to offshore locations in Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore, Penang Malaysia, Philippines and also at the Space Kennedy Center in Port Canaveral Florida as his company developed micro gyro chip sensors for space shuttles. Mario retired from National Semiconductor in 2003 after 27 years of dedicated service.

Later in life, he took on another degree in Business Accounting, also at Heald College. He found another niche and passion in helping prepare taxes for his family and many of his friends. He always love to be productive and be a huge help to others.

Mario was extremely charming, kindhearted, extraordinarily patient and brought so much joy to all he met and encountered. Amongst his many friends and acquaintances, one special friendship changed his life forever. In 1982, Mario attended a party, given by a friend who also mutually knew Rolando Bordon Sr. (+), Mario’s future father-in-law. It was after about an hour of his arrival where Mario caught a glimpse of Rolando’s middle daughter, (his now wife) Jocelyn “Joji” who was then working as a Public Relations Officer at the Philippine Embassy in San Francisco. Mario was not only taken aback by her timeless beauty and grace, but that Rolando never told him he had such a stunning daughter. Immediately upon meeting Joji, Mario emphatically told his friends surrounding him, “She is the woman I am going to marry!” To this day, this remains to be one of the most unforgettable love stories often retold amongst their family and friends, as it illustrates Mario’s significant commitment and genuine love for his wife, Joji. They celebrated 40 years of marriage last April 23, 2023.

Mario held many titles in his life, from office administrator to “Mr. Fix it” AKA Filipino MacGyver to sustaining engineer to spiritual community “core” leader. However, his favorite role and greatest accomplishments was being a loving husband, delightful & doting father, and more importantly, a servant of God. He loved nothing more than spending time with his wife and three children; whether it’s travelling around the world to simply just cooking a feast for his family. No matter the distance, time, or how tired he may have been, he made it a point to always be there for his family and that love and care overflowed to his extended family, friends, loved ones & beyond.

He was a hard-worker and took a lot of pride in his labor. Mario was the embodiment of resilience and tenacity. He even extended himself by working on the weekends, supporting Joji’s business, Honey “J” Balloons & Party Shoppe. While helping Joji on the weekends, his creativity and ingenuity were evident within the decorations and event preparations for Joji’s customers.

Mario, along with his wife Joji, were devoted members of various prayer groups and Catholic organizations. After immigrating to the United States and marrying the love of his life, he led a life of deep faith and commitment to God serving in various ministries as a Eucharistic & Hospitality minister, nightly volunteer for Eucharistic Adoration, attending daily mass, music ministry, and spiritual leadership. Mario lived a simple yet abundant life. Among the various Catholic prayer groups and organizations he was deeply involved in, Mario is best remembered as the embodiment of God’s joyful, robust, and evangelical spirit within the Bukas Loob sa Dios (meaning Open in Spirit to God) Catholic Charismatic Community under the Archdiocese of San Francisco. His steadfast commitment to providing for his family was also a testament to his strength, resilience, and selfless love. 

Mario was always referred to as “Mr. BLD” having shepherded, ministered, and guided countless couples and many single adults toward their spiritual renewal and personal relationship with God. He attributed community service and commitment to God as the greatest calling, that he likened it to the words of one of his most loved and favorite Dan Schutte’s songs “Here I am Lord” as the hymn goes…

“Here I am Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night

I will go, Lord

If You lead me

I will hold Your people in my heart”

Serving the Lord in the BLD community vineyard from 1999 to 2015 was one of the highlights and joyous moments of Mario’s life. He never missed BLD’s Friday weekly corporate praise and worship and their Living Word Group circles. Serving humbly as the Evangelization Stewards alongside his wife Joji, their leadership included spearheading the Life in the Spirit Seminars (LSS), Marriage Encounters (ME), Family Encounters (FE), Post Life in the Spirit Growth Ministry (PLSG); Youth Life in the Spirit Seminar(YLSS), Discipleship Formation & Covenanting Programs, Pastoral Care Program, Praise and Liturgy Ministries & Prayer Leaders Ministry. They also served joyfully in various capacities as LSS sharers, Worship Leaders, Community Teachers and Pastoral Care Coordinators in BLD.

Mario valued the scriptural verse. “But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord”-Joshua 24:15, as it was his utmost pleasure leading his children on the firm belief that serving the Lord together as a family is very important. His three children – Johanna, Jonathan & Johleena grew up following God in love & service as Youth Worship Leaders in the BLD community. They also served in their parish, and their catholic schools’ liturgical ministries and outreach programs.

“Train up your children in the way they should go and when they are older, they will not depart from it” -Proverbs 22:6, one particular bible verse that Mario took to heart.

 In 2018, Mario was diagnosed with liver cancer and dementia. He untimely suffered a few strokes after his unfortunate diagnosis. Despite the various health challenges and pains, he rarely complained or let the negativity of any circumstances or life bring him down. He continued to live each day wearing his infectious smile and by humbly surrendering it all to God. His faith never wavered. His smile was our daily soundtrack, a reminder that joy could be found even amidst chaos and life’s challenges. Whenever he was at the hospital, his own medical team along with their colleagues would always remember Mario as the patient with the million-dollar smile who was easy to care for, incredibly patient, and exceptionally strong.

Mario truly had the gift of connecting with people, understanding them, and making them feel special because they mattered. Everyone’s life was brighter having known Mario; his loyal friendship, inner light, and generous heart was a gift to all. He was admired and loved for his genuine nature, delicious cooking, charitable hospitality and best of all, his iconic smile that would light up any room. His bubbly personality, warmth, joy, and light-hearted humor touched all who surrounded him. He was the epitome of a jokester and his cool demeanor added to his charismatic persona. Much like our loving Father above, Mario always believed in looking upon one’s heart and not by appearances. He was never one to be in the limelight, but always first to show up to help anyone, especially his loved ones. His measure of giving extends beyond the heavens.

Mario "OCA" Serrano Tolentino was called home to meet our loving Father and Creator on January 9, 2024. Leading up to his final rest, he was surrounded by his doting wife, children and loved ones who expressed their final tributes and prayers both in person and over facetime. Mario is survived by his loving wife, Jocelyn “Joji” Bordon-Tolentino, and their children: Johanna Favor & husband, Christopher, Jonathan Tolentino, Johleena Butler & husband, Taylos; Jethro Tolentino & wife, Nicole, along with their children; and finally, Mario’s sisters Cora Mendoza and her children and Elvie Floro & husband, Alex, along with their children. 

Mario taught us valuable life lessons - to forgive quickly, live simply, never stop smiling, laugh often, and to always remain true to ourselves. Mario will always be remembered as the person with a larger-than-life personality and the generosity to match it. As we mourn his earthly departure, we also celebrate his vibrant life and the legacy he left behind. His legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and friendship to all. His physical loss is deeply felt, but his spirit lives on in the numerous lives he touched, in the love he shared, and in the laughter he spread.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

We know and believe that everything happens for a reason and according to God’s timing. As hard as it is grieving the loss of such a remarkable man, we find solace in the knowledge that everything will work together for good. We know this as we’ve seen this lived in the examples of Mario’s life and in our very own lives.

Lord we THANK YOU for blessing us with Mario’s unforgettable presence! We are certain that Mario has joined the company of angels & saints and our departed loved ones in heaven. We are confidently assured that Mario is now in the embrace of our Heavenly Father as He welcomes Mario with open arms saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant, come enter in the joy of Your Master” - Matthew 25:23.

We pray, “May the repose soul of our dearly beloved Mario find rest in eternal peace.”

Amen. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/mario-tolentino/obituary/

Copy