Juanito Tolentino, a longtime resident of the Bronx, died on May 22, 2026. He was 77.
Mr. Tolentino was born on February 17, 1949 in the Philippines to the late Juanito and Belen (Capati) Tolentino. In the Philippines he was a construction business proprietor, Malacanang presidential guard, represented Adamson University as a varsity basketball player in both Baby Falcons and Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) league tournament, and a professional basketball player representing Concepcion Industries Motorolas in the Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA). In the United States he worked as an electrical worker with Miller Signs; painter assigned to American Home Products, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Museum of Modern Art; and co-founder of the Filipino Bronx Basketball Association that sponsored several seasons of basketball conference. He was a former officer/member of the Philippine-American Association of the Bronx, an officer/member of the Filipino Hunters’ Club, and a member of the IUPAT Local 1456.
He is survived by his wife, Veronica (nee Comendador) Tolentino; his children, Jericco, Janice Mae, Joven, Jarvis, and Juvella; his grandchildren, Julius James, Jonas Edward, Josephine Mae, and Marlow Jean; his siblings, Cynthia, Emmanuel, and Olivia; and his nephews and nieces, Cloyd, Chariza, Jasper, Jermaine, and Jonah Anne.
Visiting will be Wednesday, May 27 from 4-8pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Family and friends wishing to attend the visitation virtually may do so by clicking the following link at any time during the visiting hours Tolentino Virtual Visitation Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, May 28 at 10:30am at our Lady of Solace Church, 731 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Interment will be private.
