Benjamin Anthony Semien

Benjamin Anthony Semien, age 75, was called to his eternal home on September 20, 2025 at the Veteran's Hospital in Palo Alto, CA, after courageously battling cancer.

Benjamin was born on November 15, 1949 in Beaumont, TX to Benjamin and Audrey Semien. He attended Jefferson High school in South San Francisco and attended some college at De Anza College in Cupertino, CA. He soon joined the Army where he flew low in helicopter as a "sniffer" from 1969 to 1972. On his 2 nd tour of Vietnam, his helicopter was shot down, and he was medevac'd out. He was 100% service connected combat disabled veteran.

After his military time, he worked as a foreman in construction at various locations throughout the bay area. He was adventurous and loved to travel to different states and internationally. He enjoyed camping, white-water rafting, canyoning, horseback riding, zip lining, snowboarding, parasailing, jet skiing, glider riding in Hawaii, bungee jumping in Costa Rica and other adventurous activities. He also enjoyed motorcycle rides on his Harley.

Ben was very charismatic and always made people feel comfortable being around him. He was always ready for fun and enjoyed nature. He loved R & B music such as Smokey Robinson and loved a great recipe. Ben liked to play games of any sort and some of his favorites were card, dice or board games.

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Souza Semien, his daughter Benjsameena Johnson Semien, sisters, Dianne Jenson and Madalyn Rosario. He is proceeded in death by his parents Benjamin Joseph Semien and Audry De Ville Semien.

A graveside service will be held on October 5 th at 1:00 PM at Irvington Memorial Cemetery, 41001 Chapel Way, Fremont, CA. A catered reception will follow for family and friends at Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations may be made to the American lung cancer association at https://action.lung.org/site/Donation2?df_id=46858&mfc_pref=T&46858.donation=form1&topic=Branded.