Urbano Paygane

May 25, 1952 ~ February 26, 2021

Urbano Balandra Paygane – a mentor to many and a friend to all – died February 26, 2021 at Delray Medical Center, Delray Beach FL, surrounded by his loving wife of 49 years, ADELAIDA, 3 children Mar, Tony and Emy: and 4 grandchildren Marisa & Michael (Mar & Lisa) and Fletcher & Spencer (Emy & Kevin). He was 68. Ama has 10 siblings; 5 brothers (1 deceased Pepe); Chris, Gener, Jun and Rey. 5 sisters (2 deceased; Auring, Vergie), Sollie, Tonette, Cel.

Born May 25, 1952 in Paete, Laguna Philippines to Felino Dalay Paygane and Eufronia Adea Balandra. Ama learned the values of family and hard work from the very beginning. Ama learned to carve wood while watching relatives in our hometown – known as the carving capital of the Philippines.

With help from his good friend Virgilio “VER” Navarro, he was able to get his first break working as a garnishing chef in Manila Hilton Hotel in 1975. Ama then began carving; his very first piece; a fish – “it wasn’t that great” he said but this laid the foundation that AMA would later use to pursue a lifelong career in the hospitality and hotel industry. AMA faced a big decision when opportunity came knocking once more. This time, another call from Tito VER who himself is as equally talented carver, asked AMA to come to BERMUDA. With “DADA PINING’s” blessing and a realization that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, AMA made the painful and heart-breaking decision to leave “INA” and the three of us behind – we were 7, 5 and 3 years old. While in Bermuda, AMA began to flourish in his craft. During the seven years at the Southampton Princess Hotel, he captured 3 Gold medals, 2 Silver medals and 3 Bronze for his artwork in Bermuda’s annual Culinary Expo. INA also finally rejoined AMA in Bermuda but somehow, life and family was incomplete-the 3 of us remained in PAETE. Not until 1986 that the whole family was finally together – this time in the BAHAMAS. Then in 1988, Ama got a call from one of his former bosses and recruited him to work for the BOCA RATON HOTEL & CLUB here in FL where we have stayed since. In the 20+ more years here in FL, AMA worked as the CHEF GARDE MANGER for the RITZ-CARLTON and the POLO CLUB. The art that AMA loved and worked for so long took its toll on him. Long and demanding hours forced him to retire early.

AMA will be remembered for his teasing jokes, his wildly entertaining stories, his unfailing work ethic, karaoke, poker, his infectious smile, and his willingness to help his friends and family. But above all, AMA loved his family. He was the bread and butter of the PAYGANE clan from the very beginning. He has given everything to us with kind and unconditional love. He has helped so many people. His memories will be cherished and remembered. We will miss him dearly. This gentle, warm and kind human being – Rest in Peace AMA.

Visitation on Monday, March 8, 2021 from 12 Noon - 3:00 pm at Riverside-Stanetsky Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 4:00 pm - Emmanuel Catholic Church.