Bayani Garcia Casanova - Obituary

n Loving Memory of Bayani Garcia Casanova Bayani Garcia Casanova, a devoted family man, decorated veteran, and trailblazing community leader, passed away peacefully at his home on January 13, 2026, of natural causes. He was 84 years old. Born on November 24, 1941, in Lipa, Batangas, Philippines, Bayani was the third of eight children born to Mauricio and Purificacion Casanova. A brilliant mind from a young age, he graduated from FEATI University in Manila during the 1960s, a time when the institution was at the forefront of aviation and engineering. Though he earned a prestigious acceptance into the Philippine Military Academy, Bayani chose a different path of service, enlisting in the United States Navy in 1960. His distinguished 22-year military career saw him rise to the rank of EMCS (Senior Chief Electrician's Mate). A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served with honor aboard the USS Forrestal, USS Monmouth County, USS Dahlgren, and USS Graham County, as well as at PSD Anacostia and the Navy Recruiting Office in Washington, D.C. His military service not only benefitted his country but allowed him to fulfill his personal mission to help support his parents and siblings in the Philippines. After retiring from the Navy in 1982, Bayani continued his education, earning an Associate Degree in Engineering from Prince George’s Community College. His expertise led him to a successful second career in federal service, where he contributed his talents to the Defense Intelligence Agency, the White House, and finally the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, from which he retired in 2003. Bayani’s legacy is perhaps most defined by his historic contributions to Freemasonry. In 1986, he became the first Filipino Worshipful Master in the state of Maryland at Oxon Hill Lodge #231. His passion for the Craft led him to become a founding member and Past Master of Washington, DC Maynilad Lodge #1521 in 2012. He also served as a Maryland Grand Lodge Inspector, Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of Ecuador, and Associate Bethel Guardian for Job’s Daughters Bethel #61 in Oxon Hill. His lessons to his children to serve through leadership were often in the context of the Masonic family. In 1970, Bayani married the love of his life, Erlinda Par Magnaye, in California. Together, they built a vibrant life centered on family. An expert gardener and exceptionally handy, he took on ambitious home projects, always involving his children in the process. Many fond memories were built with his children by his side—holding flashlights, pulling nails, learning the proper use of tools, and mastering the basics of car maintenance under his expert guidance. He also shared his love of martial arts and fishing with them at Patuxent Naval Air Station and Solomons Island. His retirement was spent exactly as he wished with his beloved wife: living in his home on the golf course, where he also loved to play, gardening, enjoying "McDo Pinoy" social gatherings with friends, traveling the world, and napping on the couch hand in hand with his wife after having fallen asleep watching a movie. Bayani was preceded in death by his parents, Mauricio Paran and Purificacion Garcia Casanova, and his sisters, Luningning (Rodolfo) Fajardo and Flordeliza (Gemino) Lavezores. His memory will be cherished by his beloved wife of 55 years, Erlinda Magnaye Casanova, and his five children: Juliet Casanova (Geoffrey Howard), Marianne (Bill) Mangum, Rosanna (Marc) Tangredi, Gregory (Danielle) Casanova, and Romeo (Telissha) Casanova. He is also survived by his siblings, Nelly Manguiat, Emmanuel (Emma) Casanova, Rizalina (Sim) Concepcion, Florencia (Eddie) Dorotan, and Nathaniel Casanova. His legacy continues through his seventeen grandchildren: Felicia, Turner, Ronan, Cambric, Marissa, Wilder, Addison, Danica, Amelia, Mauricio, Dominic, Desiree, Mars, Breanna, Ava, Roland, and Julianna. He additionally leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and a large extended family across the United States, the Philippines, and throughout the world. Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Bayani's Life Celebration on Friday, February 06, 2026 from 2 P.M. until 8 P.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill MD 20745. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 07, 2026 at 10:30 A.M at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill MD 20745. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.