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Manuel Martinez Berbena

Manuel Berbena Obituary

MANUEL MARTINEZ BERBENA NOV 28,1937 - DEC 3, 2010 Manuel Martinez Berbena, 73 of Ceres, passed away in Modesto on Friday, December 3, 2010. He was born in Porterville, Ca., to Frank & Eva Berbena. He graduated from Downey High School, where he played football & baseball. He worked at CVC General Foods for 43 years. He had an amazing work ethic. After he retired he began a lawn care business to keep busy. He was a member of E Clampus Vitus Chapter 58 and volunteered for Special Olympics. He enjoyed boating skiing pitching horseshoes and dancing. He was the unexpected tambourine man at weddings & parties. Manuel is survived by his wife Connie H. Berbena; children, Roger Berbena, Doug Berbena, Keri Rodgers, Kelley Berbena, Kristi Berbena Wood; 4 stepchildren; 22 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and 6 brothers, also survive him. His parents preceded him in death. Manuel lived life on his terms, he knew how to have fun and had many friends. He was an outstanding, one of a kind man. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. A Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010 from 2:00-5:00 pm at Antigua Event Center, 3200 Santa Fe St., Riverbank. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to Special Olympics. www.modbee.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Modesto Bee from Dec. 7 to Dec. 9, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Manuel Berbena

17 Entries

chuck@carol smith

December 15, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Scott Hardie

December 12, 2010

Manual and I became friends while I worked at Collins Auto. Service. He was always bringing his vehicle in for one reason or another. I think he showed up on Tuesday's with his vehicle just so he could attend the after work meetings. He had some realy cool cars and I really enjoyed working on them. Whenever we saw each other we always took the time to catch up on what was going on.

Jim Bailey

December 12, 2010

Manuel, it was good working for you, for 20 years. We had some good partying years, too!! I know you've got that tambourine wailing away up there!!! I hope when I get up there, you'll have a set of horseshoes waiting for me!!!! Take care & God bless, your buddy, Jim Bailey

Farnham Soto

December 11, 2010

What can you say about a great man. A man with a huge heart. A man that would give you the shirt off his back. A man that was a great story teller and could make anyone laugh. A man that lived life his way and enjoyed every minute of it. what is there to say, but he will be missed greatly.
I will think of you often my friend. thank you for all the good times.

Gary and Lori Ramsdell

December 10, 2010

Kelly and Joel,
Our prayers are with you and your family. This is a very sad time for you. As time goes by just remember to think about all of the good times and the smile it brings to your face will help you through this time.

Steve Flores

December 10, 2010

Although we have never met, I knew your father. I met him about fifteen years ago. He was one of the first Berbena's I met since first coming to Modesto. He was always a pleasure to be around...when I saw him! :) God Bless!
My mom is, Naomi Berbena Flores.

Shirley Brown

December 9, 2010

Connie, Your old friends from Jamestown will miss Manuel. He was one of a kind.
Rich and Shirley Brown

Liz Esparza-Saldana

December 9, 2010

Doug and Family so sorry for your loss.
God Bless you and your Family.

Marilynn Harlan-Hill

December 9, 2010

Connie, I am so sorry for your loss. Manny was a wonderful man with a wonderful wife standing by him. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Bobbi Saenz

December 9, 2010

Roger and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers go out to all of you and may you find comfort in all your wonderful memories. God Bless

December 9, 2010

Manuel old friend, we meet in the 60's at a radio show on McHenry, almost got in a fight, years later we met again in Ceres and you moved onto the mail route I delivered it is truly a small world my friend you will be missed, god speed Sir.. Walt the letter carrier.

Leslie Terra (Kimbrell)

December 8, 2010

To the Berbena Family -
My deepest sympathy is with the whole family. I was very sad to hear of Manuel's passing. Always a gentleman and a dear, dear friend to my father (Jerry Kimbrell), Manuel will be truly missed. May your thoughts of Manuel stay close in your mind and his presence be even closer in your heart.

Brad Lehman

December 8, 2010

Brad and I would like to send our prayers to his wife and friends. We had just talked to Jerry Melson who had went to see Manuel about 3 weeks ago. Like Jerry said we are not gettin any younger and should stay in touch with those we care about. We have many good old times with Manuel--playing softball--and just having fun. Thank you Manuel for the good times and the late night or early morning breakfasts and good memories....Tricia Kilgore-Lehman/Brad Lehman

Mercy Berbena-Vargas

December 8, 2010

I loved you, and I knew I could always count on you. At times in my life, you were my ROCK. You were more like a big brother, then a cousin. I loved to hear the stories you would tell me about your dad and mine. How I'm going to miss them. Family Pizza will never be the same without you sitting on your favorite stool. I have great memories of our cruises together and all the party's and baseball games, but my favorite memories are when we just sat and talked and laughed together. You shared the happiness in your life and you shared the sadness in your life with me and I thank you for that. I pray now that you and Robert will hang out together and watch over all of us.
My cousin, my friend, I will miss you, and I will never ever forget you. Like you always said " get'er done, that's the whole nine yards"

Felix Berbena

December 7, 2010

Uncle Manuel I will miss you. Thank you for everything and all of the GREAT TIMES WE HAD!! LOVE YOU ALWAYS YOUR NEPHEW GUY

Jaci Wristen

December 7, 2010

Wow it seams like I just saw you and your wife at wally world last week but I guess it must have been longer. Manuel was a good friend since we lived next door to each other and then he helped me get off the belt work at CVCs doing bell peppers. He was always good to my son when he would go over the fence to see Manuels boat, and he would always show it to him and that was 33 years ago. Maneul you will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. My God Bless your family and help them all through this time of sorrow. Remember God will get you through this and help heal the pain.

Deanna Fondren

December 7, 2010

Today my heart hurts from such a huge amount of sadness. I still cannot believe I've had to give you one last hug and tell you goodbye. I will miss you Manuel and the special relationship we have maintained through the years. So now my brother-in-law, great friend.... I want to thank you again for always looking over my shoulder and making sure that Allison and I were taken care of, just like John Wayne. I know you've earned your wings...and some gold maracas to let everyone know you've arrived.
Love you always, Deanna

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