Mr. Benjamin Ventura Centeno

Benjamin Ventura Centeno ("Ato" to his family) was born October 1948 in Manila, Philippines to Juan Delfin Centeno and Florita Francisco Ventura. He was the youngest of four children. On August 13, 1975 he married the love of his life, Florinda Cortel Centeno. Benjamin attended St. Anthony School in Manila, Philippines from elementary school through high school before moving to the United States. Benjamin joined the United States Navy in 1967 and proudly served his country for 20 years at Naval Station San Diego, with his last duty station on the USS Acadia, and then retired as an EMCS Electrician in 1987. Knowing that he could not just sit around after military retirement, he obtained his Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration and worked another 24 years doing what he enjoyed, being an Electrician and designing gadgets for a private company and working for The Port of San Diego. In 2011, a year after Florinda retired, Benjamin decided it was time to start yet another career, being a full-time husband, grandfather, and world traveler. On any given day you would have found Benjamin updating his yard landscaping, taking long walks, cooking a new recipe, playing with his grandchildren, and lecturing about life. He had many international trips planned and many things on his "To Do List". Benjamin was a devout Catholic who placed his trust in our Heavenly Father. Benjamin was most proud of his two children. He taught them to be straight shooters, to work hard, be self-reliant, to love and support family, and to help others. Benjamin battled heart disease and survived a heart attack in 2004. After recovering he changed to a healthy lifestyle by eating right, and exercising. However, on April 25, 2012, after doing some gardening, he had a massive heart attack and died peacefully at Palomar Medical Center with his children by his side. He was a stern, well-disciplined man who always put his family's needs before his own. Benjamin was dependable, our "Mr. Fix-It" and local handyman who positively touched the lives of everyone he knew. Benjamin is survived by his mother Florita, his children and their spouses, Vincent and Jenilyn Centeno, Cynthia and Kevin Lee; his grandchildren, Krista and Clarissa Lee, his brother Alfredo Ventura Centeno, and his sister Evelyn Ventura Centeno. He was preceded in death by his wife Florinda, his brother Virgilio Ventura Centeno, and his father Juan. Now Benjamin is at peace with our Lord's eternal blessings in his Holy Kingdom with Florinda.