Obituary of Jose S. Payawal

Jose Sebastian Payawal, 95, of Salinas, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024. He was born in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines on January 14, 1929. He graduated from Far Eastern University in Manila with a Bachelor’s degree in Law and eventually became a career lawyer and businessman. In 1952, he married Celedonia Pobre. They went on to have 5 children: Cristina, Olivia, Jimbo, Shiela, and Billy.

In 1990, when his granddaughter Julie Anne was born, he immigrated to the United States to finally join his wife and eldest daughter. He would work at Motel 6 as a desk clerk until his retirement. He went on to become a regular volunteer at Madonna del Sasso School where his grandchildren attended, and filled his days acting as neighborhood watch and community gardener.

Jose enjoyed participating in politics, often writing letters to congress and local leaders. He was a lover of big band music, reading novels, and had a vast classic cinema collection. In his later years, he would be often seen walking the family pug, Chucky, around the neighborhood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guillermo and Margarita; his sisters, Guadalupe and Sinfrosa; and his son, Jimbo.

Jose is survived by daughters Cristina (Sisenando), Olivia, and Shiela (Reden); son, Billy (Vina); and daughter-in-law Josefina. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren; Michael, Julie Anne, Maricel, Maricris, Jennifer, Joel, Jackie, Gerard, Jules, Poco, Franz, and Nadine; 7 great grandchildren, and 7 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 12 noon - 6:00 PM at the Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Rd., Salinas, CA  93905

A Rosary will be said at the Mortuary Chapel Thursday at 5:00 PM.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held, Friday, February 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Madonna Del Sasso Church, 320 E. Laurel Dr., Salinas.

Burial will follow at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 18200 Damian Way, Salinas.