Amado Jesus Bobadilla

Quick-witted, faithful, flexible, “Johnny on the Spot” when asked to name that tune; a loving and devoted husband, a caring son, an Eagle Scout, a global traveler, and a disciple of Yeshua—Amado was all these things and so much more throughout his active and remarkable life.

With great sadness for us, yet tremendous joy for him, Amado J. Bobadilla, age 72, went to be with the LORD on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was at home in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife, Betty Gene, and his best friend, Jack Hellein, by his side.

Amado was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on December 15, 1953, to Violet and Amado V. Bobadilla. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Betty Gene Bobadilla, the love of his life; his half-siblings, Romeo Esguerra and Flordeliza (Lori) Esguerra of Cavite, Philippines; and Carolina Esguerra Moraleja (Rene) of Bonita, California; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Family was important to Amado, and he treasured the relationships that enriched his life. He was especially grateful for his brother-in-law, Billy Kerns, whose generous helping hand and steadfast support were a blessing throughout Amado’s 47-year marriage to Billy’s sister, Betty Gene. Billy’s kindness held a special place in Amado’s heart, and Amado was grateful for all the ways he was there for him over the years.

After graduating from St. George’s School in Middletown, Rhode Island, Amado and his family moved to Orlando, Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organ Performance from Rollins College in Winter Park.

In the spring of 1980, God called Amado and Betty Gene to an evangelistic ministry in Texas called Agape Force. They were drawn to the ministry because of the extraordinary commitment they witnessed to Jesus. They had never seen a group of people so transformed by the power of God and so deeply in love with Jesus. This transformation was rooted, in great part, in the doctrine they preached and lived: love God with all your heart and forsake all for His Kingdom.

Amado served in various cities and eventually became a mission station director in Boise, Idaho. In the fall of 1985, he was called to return home to Florida to care for his aging parents.

Amado’s life was a walk of loving sacrifice to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through His Messiah, Jesus. He earnestly and determinedly pursued an authentic biblical life. He would ask, “What does it mean when God says this? What did Jesus mean when He commanded that? How does a person with a history of selfishness become an unselfish demonstration of the love our Heavenly Father has for all people?”

These were not merely philosophical questions for Amado—they were questions he sought to live out. Even in his final days, he invited people he had just met to love God with their whole heart and to put that love into practice in tangible and meaningful ways.

Amado devoted his life to studying God’s Word and allowing it to shape the way he lived. He excelled at playing the piano, teaching, and writing with precision and expressiveness. It was evident that he had been given a gift from God, and he used that gift with creativity and flair, both in worship and in secular settings.

He served as a vocal coach and accompanist for the Opera Orlando Youth Company, the Orlando Ballet Company, Valencia Community College, and SAK Theater in Orlando. For many years, he devoted himself to musical theater, but his greatest passion was working with youth and young adults at Fellowship Church. There, he taught about the nature and character of God and created and directed plays for God’s festivals. He cared deeply for each person who came to his classes and activities and sought to share the love of the LORD with each one of them.

It was a marvelous blessing to Amado to serve God by helping to build up the Land of Israel and by encouraging his friends in Kedumim, Israel. He made multiple trips to the Land, and now that final aliyah—his final ascent—is at hand.

Over the last year and a half, Amado faced the challenge of CNS lymphoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that spread to his spinal column. Although he was determined to win the fight of his life, the disease and its treatments eventually took their toll. Through it all, he remained courageous and faithful to the end, demonstrating a true measure of grace drawn from his love for God and his lifelong desire to serve others.

Amado lived a life marked by curiosity, devotion, creativity, sacrifice, and love. His life touched family, friends, students, fellow believers, musicians, travelers, and even people he had only just met. He leaves behind not only memories, but the example of a man who sincerely desired to love God with his whole heart and to make that love real in the lives of others.

On his behalf, thank you for your friendship, your prayers, your support, and for joining us in celebrating Amado’s wonder-filled life.

May his memory be a blessing, and may the love of God that shaped Amado’s life continue to touch all who knew him.