Eduardo "Eddie" Cabanal Guintivano

“Toto Eddie” • “Papa Eddie” • “Dad”

Eduardo C. Guintivano, 82, was born in Leganes, Iloilo, Philippines, to Pelagio Jaena Guintivano and Paciencia Cabanal Guintivano. The third eldest of seven children—three brothers and four sisters—Eduardo’s life would take him from San Vicente Village in Leganes, to Guam, Long Beach, California, and eventually Jacksonville, Florida. Wherever life took him, however, the things that mattered most remained constant: family, faith, hard work, integrity, and providing for the people he loved.

To his friends, he was affectionately known as Eddie. To his grandchildren, he was Papa Eddie. And to his family, he was a husband, father, grandfather, provider, teacher, protector, and the steady presence they could always count on.

Eduardo shared his life with his beloved wife, Nenita B.P. Guintivano, and was the proud father of Ray P. Guintivano, Edgar P. Guintivano, Indiano B. Pama, Eduardo P. Guintivano Jr., Deborah P. Perona, Sherylynn “Sunshine” P. Quinto, and Saldie P. Guintivano. Eduardo’s understanding of family was never limited by biology. He became a father and grandfather to many, giving his love, guidance, protection, and wisdom freely to those he considered his own.

A Life of Service

Eduardo dedicated many years of his working life in service to the United States Navy as a civilian serviceman, working as a skilled shipfitter and welder. Though he was not a member of the military, he took great pride in supporting the Navy through his civilian service and craftsmanship.

The values he demonstrated throughout his work could be described by four words: Courage, Candor, Competence, and Commitment.

He was courageous in accepting responsibility and meeting challenges. He believed in candor—being honest enough to speak up when something was wrong or when he saw a discrepancy. His competence showed in his ability to learn quickly, work hard, and find a way to accomplish what needed to be done. And his commitment meant that a job was never simply left unfinished.

Eduardo once summed up his approach to work in a way only he could: “I do my job like my cooking. I will always provide you with the best results.”

That was Eddie. Whether working with steel, building something with his hands, preparing a meal, or taking care of his family, if his name was attached to it, he wanted it done right.

His talents went far beyond his profession. Eduardo could look at something and understand how it needed to be built. He could construct structures without blueprints because, as his family remembers, the plans were all in his head. He possessed the kind of practical intelligence and craftsmanship that could not simply be taught.

The Man Beyond the Work

For all his strength and discipline, Eduardo knew how to enjoy life.

He loved fishing, the beach, gardening, boxing, cooking, family gatherings, and decorating with Christmas lights. He enjoyed music and dancing—especially the tango, cha-cha and Guam cha-cha, boogie, and the Twist. Put on the right music, and Eddie knew exactly what to do.

He also took pride in how he presented himself. Eddie liked to be clean, slick, and suave, and a good cologne was part of finishing the job. He carried himself with his own unmistakable sense of style.

Food was another expression of his love. Cooking was not merely something Eduardo did; it was one of the ways he cared for people. And anyone around him when it was time to eat might hear the familiar:

“Kaona na.” — “Eat now.”

His family will also forever hear his voice in the expressions that became uniquely his:

“Pray always.”

“Okie Dokie.”

“Wowee!”

“Hafa Gachong!” — “What’s up, friend!”

And, when something was settled once and for all:

“Pinish da kalaban!” — “Fight’s over!”

They are simple words, but to those who loved Eddie, they are much more. They carry his voice. His humor. His personality. And now, they carry memories.

Faith, Family, and Love

Eduardo was a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church, and his faith was reflected in one of the simplest pieces of advice he repeatedly gave those he loved:

“Pray always.”

Perhaps one of the most tender pictures of Eduardo’s love did not require words at all.

Whenever family or loved ones visited and the time came to say goodbye for now, Eduardo would stand and watch them leave. He would remain there, watching to make sure they departed safely, and he would continue watching until they were completely out of sight.

Only then would he turn away. It was a small gesture that said everything about the man he was. He watched over his family.

He wanted to know they were safe. And even when they were leaving him, his eyes remained on them for as long as he possibly could.

Today, those who loved Eduardo are the ones standing and watching him go. And perhaps there is comfort in imagining that somewhere beyond what we can see, Papa Eddie is still watching over the people he loved, just as he always did—until the day they are together again.

There simply are not enough words in this world to measure the good man Eduardo was, the good he instilled in others, or how much better this world was because he was a part of it.

His legacy is found not only in what he accomplished, but in the people he loved, the family he helped build, the lessons he taught, the meals he prepared, the things he created with his hands, the laughter he brought into a room, and the generations who will continue carrying pieces of him forward.

Courage. Candor. Competence. Commitment.

Those values described the way Eduardo approached his work and responsibilities.

But love, faith, family, and devotion described the way he lived.

To Toto Ed, Papa Eddie, Dad:

Thank you for everything you have done—not only for us, but for everyone who had the blessing of knowing you and sharing this life with you.

You are loved beyond words, and you will be missed tremendously.

Until we meet again, Dad, enjoy eternity. When our time comes, we’ll pick back up where we left off.

And until then...

Pray always.

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225, US, on September 25, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11665 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, US, on September 26, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will follow at Chapel Hills Memory Gardens, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225, US, on September 26, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.