Obituary

We, gathered here this day, acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, especially the Duwamish and Muckleshoot Nations.

In God’s mercy, we pray with gratitude for creation, and we honor all past and present Indigenous stewards of these lands and waters.

We humbly pray that we receive the guidance, wisdom and courage to truly respect and protect the natural harmony of this sacred land.

Romeo Agutaya Mayor was born in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines on November 4, 1934, the sixth son of Sylvestre Mayor and Celerina Agutaya.

He joined the US Navy in 1955 and had the opportunity to serve on ice breakers near both the North and South Pole. He also met Anita Hidalgo Mabanglo in 1955 and began a long-distance relationship that culminated in their marriage June 10, 1961 in Seattle, WA. He became a US citizen in 1965, a few months before the birth of their first child, Rebecca. They settled in Federal Way, WA, and their son, Andrew, joined their family in 1976.

Romeo graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a BA in Business Administration in 1971 and held a position as Financial Analyst at the Weyerhauser Corporation for over a decade. In 1984, he joined the Air Force Reserves in addition to taking a position at NOAA as a cartographer. He retired from both positions in 1994.

In 1979, he joined the Knights of Columbus, Council 7528, and achieved the rank of 4^th degree. He also served the St. Vincent de Paul community as a Eucharistic Minister and Usher for nearly 50 years.

Romeo was an avid trout fisherman who also loved catching Dungeness crab near Redondo Beach. He enjoyed cultivating a large garden that burst with zucchini, tomatoes, and plums every year. He could also be found playing mahjong and poker with friends and family whenever he had the opportunity. He and Anita also enjoyed traveling, especially after his retirement, to visit family in the Philippines as well to travel to new destinations in Europe, Russia, and the Caribbean.

His wife Anita predeceased him in 2017. He is survived by his children Rebecca and Andrew, two grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in his name to the Knights of Columbus, Council 7528, PO Box 4097 Federal Way, WA 98063. The donations will benefit eighth graders seeking to attend a Catholic high school as well as those studying for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Seattle.