Jovencio "Ben" Bodaňo-Benesa

Jovencio “Ben” Bodaňo-Benesa, 86, of American Canyon, Napa, California, passed away on March 1, 2025.

Ben was born on August 1, 1938, to Francisco Bamba Benesa and Juliana Bodaño in Bangued, Abra, Philippines. After graduating high school in Abra Valley College in 1956, Ben attended the University of the East in Manila, where he paid for his tuition by becoming the university’s varsity basketball player. Following brief stints in a security company, a textile factory, a construction company, and, as a Master Scout in scout troops, Ben began his 33-year culinary career as a cook in Saudi Arabia. He eventually retired as a chef from the Marriott San Ramon in California.

In 1960, Ben met Enriquetta “Etta” Sacro Bueno in Quezon City. Together, they had six children: Jose Carmelo, Maria Carmela, Marie Camille, Carlo Dominic, Carmine Marie, and Monique.

After retiring in 2012, Ben spent his time with Etta and his grandchildren, enjoying cooking and gardening. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Jose Carmelo. Ben is survived by his children: Carmela, Camille, Carlo, Carmine, and Monique, along with their spouses, Johnny, Raul, Margie, Michael, and Billy, respectively, as well as his 17 grandchildren.  

Services will be held at Tulocay Cemetery Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 411 Coombsville Road, Napa, California 94559. His remains may be visited and viewed on March 28, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. A Eucharistic Mass for his final blessings will be held on the same day at 11:00 AM.

Condolences and words of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.tulocaycemetery.org.

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