Rolando Prudente Abaygar

Rolando Prudente Abaygar, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully on August 4, 2026, in Roselle, Illinois, at the age of 85—a little over a week after celebrating his birthday as he did every year: surrounded by those whose lives he enriched and cherished so deeply. His was a life defined by devotion—to family, to faith, to the quiet strength of service, and to the unyielding belief in the goodness of others.

Born on July 24, 1941, in the verdant province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines, Rolly—as he was known affectionately to all—demonstrated from his earliest days a spirit of generosity and an innate curiosity about the world. The foundation of his lifelong accomplishments was set during his studies at National University in the Philippines, where he pursued the first steps toward his future careers. He began as an architect in his homeland, shaping both structures and lives, before making his journey to the United States, where he became a civil engineer. With every step, Rolando labored with humility, always striving for excellence and never uttering a complaint—his tireless work ethic evident to everyone privileged to know or collaborate with him.

Rolly’s life was one of quiet, heartfelt giving. He had an exceptional ability to make others feel included, always eager to celebrate life’s milestones in the company of loved ones—especially the birthdays he shared joyfully with his late wife, Romula Franco Abaygar, his companion in a lifetime of love and devotion. Even in his final months, Rolly attracted new friends, greeting each person with warmth and a listening ear, never imposing, always bearing burdens with graciousness. His generosity was unmatched: he constantly placed the needs of others before his own comforts, finding peace in self-sacrifice and in the shared happiness of those around him.

A man of many talents, Rolando delighted in gardening, art, and cooking—pursuits that reflected his love of beauty and his appreciation for the small joys in life. He was an avid reader, fascinated by the world’s cultures and ideas, able to engage in conversation with respect, wit, and insight. Yet, the source of his deepest strength and abiding comfort was his profound faith in Jesus Christ. Rolly’s spirituality was a quiet, enduring force; it shaped his outlook, buoyed him through life’s tribulations, and filled him with peace in times of struggle. “God carried him through every struggle and victory he encountered,” as one could sense in the unwavering calm and joy he radiated even in adversity. In the last days of his life, after being diagnosed with angiosarcoma, his courage and faith never wavered—he fought valiantly, and when the time for farewell approached, he faced it with serene acceptance, comforted by the anticipation of resting in a world "where no one is thinking about war—they are only thinking about love."

Rolly’s legacy lives vibrantly in his family. He is mourned and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Rochella Abaygar Ostrowski, and her husband Andy Ostrowski; his son, Rolando Franco Abaygar, and daughter-in-law Joann Dollente Abaygar; and his treasured grandchildren: Eden Grace Ostrowski, Selah Joy Ostrowski, Cadence Rome Ostrowski, Lincoln True Ostrowski, and Jomar Christian Dollente Abaygar. His memory is further held dear by his sisters Lorna Abaygar Guinto and Lydia Abaygar; his brothers Rudy, Eddie, Nepthali, and Alex Abaygar; and his sisters-in-law, Emma Franco Gonzalez, Leonides Franco Chua. Each of them carries forward the lessons he taught through his actions—kindness, humility, resilience, and faith.

Rolando now rests in eternity with his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Romula Franco Abaygar; his brothers Glecerio and Benjamin Jr.; his sister Ligaya Abaygar Ymalay; and his parents, Benjamin and Exaltacion Prudente Abaygar.

To all who knew him, Rolly was a rare soul—easy to talk to, easy to befriend, and ever dependable. The depth of his love for God and for those around him is an enduring testament to a life profoundly well lived. Though his presence will be dearly missed, his loving spirit, gentle humor, and unshakeable faith will remain a light to those who follow.

May he rest in peace and love, now and always.

Romans 8:38-9: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."