Bayani Lopez Domingo

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Helen Hidalgo Domingo; his children, Lynette Fandiño (Samuel), Michele Carrico Domingo (Minh), and Leonard Domingo; his grandchildren, Adriana, Samantha, and Mihio; and his siblings Hinahon (calm), Pantas (wisdom), and Binhi (seed). He was preceded in death by his siblings Cecilia, Vinyang, Mutya (pearl), Lualhati (happiness), Marangal (honorable), and Talinig (shining).

Bayani was born in Manila, Philippines, on July 11, 1938, to Melecio and Catalina Domingo. He grew up with nine siblings and was lovingly known as “Boy.” He was a favorite of Cecilia and Vinyang and was often spoiled with gifts by them. His father worked as a contractor and builder, ran an export and import shipping business, and was a civil engineer who built bridges and houses. Melecio was traditionally patriotic to the Filipino ways and insisted on giving his children patriotic first names.

Bayani attended high school at Ateneo de Manila, an exclusive Jesuit school for boys, and even won 2nd place in an elocution contest. He wanted to become a doctor and started studying at the University of the Philippines, but his plans changed when his father, Melecio, died when Bayani was just 16 years old. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of the East. To help support his mother and siblings, Bayani joined Operation Brotherhood from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a group that sent Filipino professionals to Laos to provide medical and development aid during the Laotian Civil War. Earning a salary in U.S. dollars helped his family more than what he could make in pesos. Life in Laos was tough for Bayani, as he and his team lived in the jungle and hills in a Quonset hut. Once he had to learn how to fly a helicopter as a back-up pilot, in case the primary pilot was not available. Due to his work with the Operation Brotherhood, he was granted a visa to study in America in the late 1960s.

Bayani arrived in Oakland, California. He then enrolled at UC Berkeley, where he met Helen. She was living in a boarding house with other Filipino women. They started dating in the Bay Area. On January 3, 1970, Bayani and Helen got married at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Although they married in Michigan, they initially continued to live in California. That November, their first child, Lynette, was born in Berkeley. Wanting to be closer to family, Bayani and Helen moved to Michigan. Two years later, their second daughter, Michele, was born in Detroit. Two years after that, their son Leonard was born.

Bayani started working in California as an accountant for a company, where he was admitted as a Certified Public Accountant to practice in both California and Michigan. Later on, Bayani decided to start his own business as a Certified Public Accountant. For over 40 years, he provided accounting services and advice to both individuals and businesses.

Bayani was a devout Catholic. He studied with Jesuit priests in the Philippines, who strongly influenced his commitment to his faith and to make a positive impact on the community he lived in. For many years, he was part of St. Owen’s Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, serving as an usher, a choir member and as a volunteer accountant. Bayani & Helen were very active in Bukas Loob sa Diyos Detroit (BLD), a Filipino Catholic charismatic community. They participated in the Marriage Encounter (ME) and Life in the Spirit Seminars (LSS). They were also Marriage & Life Apostolates (MLA).

While living in California, Bayani and Helen were among the first Filipinos to help create the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in the Bay Area. After he and Helen moved to Michigan, he stayed involved with the Filipino community. In the early 1980s, Bayani was one of the co-founders of Paaralang Pilipino in Michigan, a Filipino culture school, teaching Tagalog, Philippine history, culture, music, and dance. He played a key role in founding the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Michigan (UPAAM) and remained involved in all its activities and projects including the Outstanding Youth of Michigan (OYM). He served as the first President of the Philippine American Community Center of Michigan (PACCM) from 1981-1985. He was also active in the Filipino American Community Council (FilAmCCo) throughout the years.

Bayani was best known to have a warm smile and embrace or handshake. He had a way of welcoming everyone at a party or gathering, making sure they were seen and valued. He loved to dance at parties, especially with his wife Helen, and liked to make sure that everyone was having a good time. He also loved to wear dapper suits and stylish shoes, and was known to be a sharp dresser.

The Domingo family welcomes family and friends to gather at Harry J. Will Funeral Home in Livonia on Friday, September 5, from 4 to 8:00 pm. Prayers and remembrances will be held at 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 6, with 10:00 am In-state, and 10:30 am mass at St. Edith Catholic Church, 42250 5 Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154. Burial will immediately follow the mass at Glen Eden Memorial.

Thank you for keeping the Domingo family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated.