Armando C. Payawal

Armando C. Payawal died peacefully on April 25, 2023 in Naples, Florida. He was 88 years old. A devoted husband and loving father and grandfather, Armando is survived by his children, Feliciano and wife Connie, Mariclaire, Stella and husband Jon, Teresa and husband Steve; his beloved grandchildren, Michael and wife Amanda, Michelle, Mark, Matthew, Katherine, Jacqueline, Carolyn, Alessandra and great granddaughter, Sage.

Born in Manila, Philippines, Armando was the youngest son of renowned violinist and bandleader, Serafin Payawal and his wife Clara Calbay. Armando’s own distinguished career in music began at an early age when he played for the Manila Symphony. He later joined his father’s orchestra and had the privilege of providing musical entertainment at many society functions. The Serafin Payawal Orchestra played for a long list of Philippine Presidents, delighting guests and foreign dignitaries during state visits.

In the mid-sixties, Armando formed his own group, and regaled guests at the US Embassy, the Joint US Military Advisory Group Officers’ Club, and the Chinese Hawaiian Club. In 1975, Armando moved his family to New York, USA where he formed another band with his two brothers. For more than ten years, the Payawal Band played music and entertained the Filipino-American community in the NY-NJ tri-state area.

In 1990, Armando moved to Southwest Florida with his wife Rosalinda. He joined the Gulf Coast Symphony and continued to share his love for music by volunteering at St. Andrew’s Church in Cape Coral, Florida. The sound of his violin filled the church with beautiful music every Sunday and he is fondly remembered for occasionally livening things up with the beat of his conga drums!

A true entertainer at heart, Armando brought joy everywhere he went. His quick-wit made people laugh and his kindness opened people’s hearts. His steadfast faith in God is sure to bring out a choir of angels welcoming him to heaven and cheering him on!