Dr. Mateo Brawner Dayo, III

Dr. Mateo Brawner Dayo, III died peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, Florida, surrounded by family. He was 58 years old. Dr. Dayo is survived by his wife, Jennifer, their four children, Mateo “Caleb” (Stephanie), Zachary, Ethan, and Angel as well as his siblings, Almabel Dayo (Todd) Stewart, Anafe Dayo (Dravon) Paniagua and Jet Brawner (Fransha) Dayo, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Dr. Dayo was preceded in death by his two siblings, Dr. Rodney Brawner Dayo and Pag-asa Brawner Dayo.

Dr. Dayo was born on May 11, 1968 in Pagadian City, the Philippines, to the late Drs. Mateo and Zinnia Dayo. As a young child, he emigrated from the Philippines to Guyana, South America, and then to Jersey City, New Jersey, in the United States before the family settled in New Haven, West Virginia. He attended Wahama High School, where he graduated Valedictorian.

Dr. Dayo met his lovely wife Jennifer at West Virginia University (WVU) in 1988 while the two served with Alpha Phi Omega. In 1991, he was led to faith and accepted Jesus as his personal savior. He prayerfully asked God to help him determine his future and whether he should become a heart surgeon. Dr. Dayo earned a chemistry degree, MBA, and MD from WVU before becoming board-certified in General Surgery and training at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. This was a particularly enjoyable time in his life, as he took great joy in his professional training, starting a family, and forming valuable friendships through a small group at church. Dr. Dayo then moved on to a fellowship in thoracic surgery at his alma mater, WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital.

Upon completing his training, Dr. Dayo practiced exclusively with Ocala Heart Institute. After a short time in Ocala, Dr. Dayo and Dr. Jonathan Fong were sent to Venice, Florida, to expand their practice and save lives in the community. Dr. Dayo was an excellent cardiac surgeon and truly cherished the opportunity to help his patients. A gregarious soul, he relished telling stories and connecting with people through meaningful conversations. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them by watching TV shows and movies or playing board games. An avid Steelers fan, some of his favorite memories were of taking loved ones to not one, but two Super Bowls. He had many interests, from collecting wristwatches and guitars to survival knives and Panama hats but found the most joy when bonding with others over shared interests.

Dr. Dayo bravely faced many medical challenges and setbacks in his life. Through it all, he kept his love of life, his good humor, and his faith in Christ.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. EST, Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church with a reception to be held afterward. Family is welcome to attend a private burial at Venice Memorial Gardens later that day. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or to Joni and Friends FL. Farley Funeral Home in Venice is handling the arrangements. To send a condolence or memory please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.