Born on July 5, 1935 in Gumaca, Quezon, Philippines. He was one of 10 children to Inigo Villaver and Brigida Jarmin. Bayani graduated from Luzonian Colleges of Lucena City, Quezon with a BSC, and then he obtained a DO in Optometry at MCU in Santa Cruz, Manila. After graduating, Bayani became a professor at MCU for 2 years. In 1964, He married Concepcion Luna and later in 1968, with the help of his uncle and tita, opened an optical, San Ysidro Optical and Laboratory, in Santa Cruz, Manila. In 1981, he decided to emigrate with his family of 5 to Benin, Nigeria. With the help of his former professor, Dr. Casaje, he became a Professor of Optometry at the University of Benin. In 1984, due to a coup, he decided to immigrate with his family of 5 to a little city in the U.S.A. called Jersey City, where he and his family decided to start a new beginning once again.
Bayani, also known as “Doc” to many, was a jack-of-all-trades. He was a great cook, baker, self-taught carpenter, and naturally skilled artist. Bayani was also very active in the catholic community not just here in NJ, but also in Romblon, Philippines. In NJ, he served as a former National Chairman of the Virgin of the Barangay Inc. and President of the Virgin of the Barangay Inc. Hudson County Chapter, former Unit Head of CFC of NJ Central Chapter, a CFC Elder of Romblon Chapter, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Paulus Hook Council 475 and American Assembly 462 as a 4th degree Knight. Bayani's accomplishment in charity work was even more evident through his work with CFC where he and Bro. Antonio revived the CFC chapter in Romblon, Philippines. He not only participated but also organized CFC activities. Bayani designed alters in 2 churches in Romblon, one in St. Vincent Ferrer in Ginablan and the other in Santo Nino Chapel in Lunas. Bayani was involved in several volunteer missions including providing gifts and food to Persons Deprived of Liberty, visiting the prisons in Romblon once a month to serve food, and spreading the word of God which was called Prison Ministry. He also coordinated a collection of used glasses to provide them to those in need, including volunteering his time to provide free eye exams and also to make sure each glasses fit each recipient. Bayani was involved in the housing program of ANCOP.
Painting and crafting wonderful pieces was one of the many ways Bayani loved to spend his spare time. His favorite holiday was Christmas and this was when his creativity and craftsmanship would shine. He loved to make parols and would make several at a time. He also loved to make Christmas ornaments for his grandchildren. In the past, he would make elaborate nativity scenes with the simplest of materials. Bayani's greatest accomplishment as an artist was that of several reproductions of a famous painting of the Barangay of the Virgen said to be originally painted by a blind man. This painting will be that of the prayer card that will be provided at the funeral home.
In 1993, Bayani retired from his job at Jena Optical in NYC as an optical technician. He then pursued his passion in carpentry and started first as a handyman with Antonio and then later starting up a construction business with his 2 sons. In 2010, Bayani and his wife relocated to Romblon, Philippines where his new chapter unfolded. In 2018, Bayani and his wife returned to NJ for good. He loved his grandchildren dearly. He was known to his grandchildren as Tatay or Lolo. Bayani was a quiet man but his wisdom and knowledge ran deep. He tried to impart some of that by example and through his actions. Because of this, his grandchildren reciprocated their love for him ten-fold.
Bayani is survived by his loving wife Concepcion, his children Rhoderick, Pamela, and Bayani Jr., his grandchildren Christopher Bayani, Alexa, Megan, Katherine Cecilia, Bayani III, and Maximilian Joseph, as well as his sister Ligaya and youngest brother Rudini. We lost not only a servant of God but a grandfather, a father, a brother, a friend. His character reflects the legacy he leaves behind.
A visitation for Bayani will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Leber Funeral Home, 2000 Kennedy Blvd, Union City, NJ 07087. A funeral mass will occur Friday, April 5, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM at Our Lady of Victories Roman Catholic Church, 2217 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07304. A graveside service will occur Friday, April 5, 2024 from 11:45 AM to 12:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ 07031.
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