Libertito Pelayo, publisher-editor of Filipino Reporter in NY, dies at 78

Libertito Pelayo

NEW YORK CITY — Veteran reporter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Filipino Reporter Libertito Pelayo died on February 3 at the age of 78.

His wife, Dr. Linda R. Pelayo, said, “Bert passed on peacefully at 12:53 a.m. after having been given Extreme Unction or Anointing of the Sick.”

Pelayo founded the Filipino Reporter in 1972 and never failed to publish an issue every Friday.

A seasoned journalist and multi-awarded community leader, Pelayo was a product of Far Eastern University’s Institute of Journalism.

For his journalistic experiences and success in publishing the Reporter, FEU honored him with a “Most Distinguished Alumnus Award” in the mid-90s.

In 1988, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America made him an honorary UPAAA member during an alumni homecoming at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City for his professionalism and outstanding work as a journalist, as well as consistent support for UPAAA.

Pelayo was the only non-UP graduate who was bestowed honorary membership. He was also a recipient of a TOFA NY Heritage Award three years ago.

Pelayo is survived by his wife Linda; children Joy, L.P. and Patrick; son-in-law Christopher McCarthy; daughter-in-law Dr. Tessa del Carmen-Pelayo; and grandchildren Tyler, Amanda and Brett McCarthy; and Darcy Ann, twins Dorian Tess and Reeve Patrick Pelayo.