Benjamin Manalac Constantino

Benjamin Manalac Constantino (Benjie) ended his 15-month battle with liver cancer at 8:18 PM on Sunday, January 22nd. He fought valiantly to live for his wife and three children who had recently immigrated to the United States. His body was no longer able to sustain the fight and he passed peacefully in the ICU of San Joaquin General Hospital with his wife, children, and one of his sisters and her husband by his side.
Benjie was born in Praridel, Bulacan, Philippines on March 31, 1956, the sixth of seven children born to Antonio, Sr. and Consolacion Manalac Constantino. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Leticia, his sister Carmelita, and brothers Antonio, Jr. and Danilo. He is survived by his wife, Veronica, and their children Syreen, Tonton, and Simon; the children from his first marriage, Mark, James, and Maan; his sisters Corazon, Socorro, Monet, and his brother Cesar.
Benjie's dad died when he was nine and he was very close to his mom. His siblings suggest that he was her favorite. He was obedient and conscientious in completing his household chores; but was sometimes naughty. During his teenage years he had many friends who were older than him.
He married Leticia, who was 8 years older than him, on May 9, 1979 and they raised three children. Leticia died of breast cancer on November 6, 2006, at the age of 66.
He first immigrated to the United States in 1992 where he worked hard to raise money to help with family needs back in the Philippines.
In 2012 he returned to the Philippines for five years during which time he met his second wife Veronica who gave birth to the joy of his life, Simon.
Although Benjie labored in a variety of fields, he found his forte as a chef. His exceptional talent in this area began to surface through his employment in food service for the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Mission San Jose. Further refinement of his skill and talent continued through his employment as cook for a few parish rectories, partnership in a catering business, and employment at Isla (Filipino restaurant) and Google Food Service.
Throughout his life Benjie made many friends without concern for their status, the rich and poor alike. He was always thinking of others, whether it be in preparing the favorite food of nephews and niece coming to visit, sending financial help to a friend in need, or sharing news of an opportunity that he thought would benefit an acquaintance.
Benjie exhibited great inner strength and deep faith and trust in God through his very difficult and lengthy battle with cancer. His faith and determination were an inspiration to many.
Benjie will surely be missed. He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity as a good husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, the best of friends, and a man with genuine trust in God.
FUNERAL SERVICES
February 16th – Thursday
Viewing – 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Vigil Service – 6:00 PM
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Funeral Center – St. Michael
26320 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544
February 17th – Friday
Funeral Mass – 1:00 PM
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Funeral Center - Mausoleum
26320 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544
Reception following the Mass
Newark Buffet
35201 Newark Blvd, Newark, CA 94560