Jose P. Gollayan

Jose P. Gollayan of Waltham, died Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Maristhill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, in Waltham. He was 97.

Born in Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines on January 8, 1928, Jose was married to the late Lilia G. Gollayan. He was the son of the late Demetria (Paual) and Marcelo Gollayan. He was raised and educated in the Philippines graduating from Lyceum of Cabagan Isabela, where he studied Education.

Jose, fondly called Pepe, was a grade-school teacher in the Philippines for many years. He was also a baseball coach drawing from his past as a talented pitcher growing up. Beyond teaching, he was also an agriculturalist; a job that turned into a hobby, he loved music; appreciating everything from Filipino Folk to classical tunes. A devoted member of the Knights of Columbus and The Cursillista back in the Philippines, his faith and community involvement were important to him. He moved to the United States in 2001 where he has been a Greenwood SC and Waltham MA resident since. He will be deeply missed by his daughters and grandchildren who remember him as a loving and caring father and Lolo.

He leaves his daughters Maria Victoria Zipagan (Ronald his son-in-law), and Maria Socorro Gollayan, both of Waltham; his grandchildren, Melanie Grace (Geraldo his grand son-in-law), Mark Ryan, and his great-grandson Junior.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jose's life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, February 7th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial in New York will be held privately at a later date.