Felipe Moreno Mayo

Felipe "Phil" Mayo, 96, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Phil was born the eldest of nine children to Jose and Dolores Mayo in Zamboanga City, Mindanao Philippiness "Land of Promise" on August 11, 1926. In 1947 Phil came to America as a Merchant Marine, sailing on an oil tanker to Saudi Arabia, South Hampton, England. He worked on the deck of the ship, making deck repairs and chipping old paint. Phil joined the Army May 18, 1950 and served as a Radar Repairman & Msl Monitor Repairman. Phil was decorated with a Good Conduct Medal (First Award), Sharpshooter (Carbine), Marksman (Rifle) and other medals during his military service. Phil worked in Oil refineries as a Welder, Pipe fitter and Operator foreman for over 15 years.
As a young child and young man his father would take him fishing every morning on a row boat. The biggest fish he ever caught was a sea bass that was a foot long. Phil went on to love fishing all his life, and enjoyed catching crab by using chicken bones and finding a new fishing spot every weekend. Phil passed down his secrets on how to catch fish to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Phil wore many titles: husband, dad, grandpa, Lolo, Kuya, brother, son, Tito, friend, Manong and perhaps his most well-known title, Coach. He coached his son's baseball teams (bench coach) and his daughter's volleyball team. Win or lose the teammates were treated to McDonalds hamburger & fries or ice cream from Frosty Freeze. He was known as the coolest coach. His coaching exemplified his passion for helping people.
Phil was a pretty good bowler. In addition to bowling, he loved playing cards. If you ask him who was winning, he would reply "The cards are winning". Phil made BINGO so fun, especially when he called (N32 buckle my shoes, B8 don't be late, G46 up to tricks). He also enjoyed spending his mornings and days off mowing the lawn on his riding lawn mower and watering the plants. His cookouts were the best, especially the lechon (entire pig skewer with a bamboo stick cooked over hot coals in the ground). Phil stayed busy and loved to be outdoors. Phil was known for his dancing of the Tango, Foxtrot, Mambo and Cha-cha-cha, there would always be women lined up waiting for a spin.
Phil loved his family. He worked hard to make sure they were taken care of and felt loved. He was a great Son, Father, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Phil had such a kind heart, always willing to lend a hand to all in need. All you needed to do was ask. Shoes that no one will be able to fill.
We will miss you!
"Just give me 5 more minutes"
"I'm feeling lucky"
"Lots of Love"
Thank you for thinking of me!
Phil is survived by his brothers and sisters: Nene; Ric; Julius; Minda; and Ely
His children: Phillip Joseph (PJ) and his wife Michelle Mayo; Inge and her husband Keith Thomas; Edward (Eddie) and his wife Karen Mayo. 11 Grand Children, 3 Great Grand Children, 21 Nieces & Nephews, their 31 Children and 5 Great Grand Children.
Services for Mr. Mayo will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 on Friday July 28, 2023 at 10:00AM with Honors by the United States Army. The family will line up in LANE # 3.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com for the Mayo family.