Buenaventura Mercado Ugarte

Buenaventura Mercado Ugarte, 79, left the world peacefully on October 12, 2025, surrounded
by his loving family at home. He is survived by his devoted wife, Perla, his children Sonia, Ria
Angelique (Jun), Juan Carlos and Marriane Veronique (Luis), his sisters Erlinda and Dominica,
his many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Buenaventura was born on June 23, 1946, in Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines. He is the youngest
son of Buenaventura Ugarte, Sr. and Gaudencia Mercado. Buenaventura graduated from the
University of the East and pursued a career in accounting. Buenaventura tirelessly worked to
provide a comfortable life for his family, spending 17 years as a CPA in Saudi Arabia before
immigrating to the United States in 1999.
Ben, as he was fondly called, was dedicated, loving and resilient in all parts of his life, but
especially as a husband and father. His courageous and determined nature allowed him to defy
odds and survive his massive hemorrhagic stroke and thrive for another 17 years. His stroke
never stopped him from being a loving grandpa to Kevin, Carlos (Kokoy), Robert Angelo (Red),
Rylee Angelyn and lolo to Chloe Veronique and Evan Alexander.
Like a true Waray, Ben loved a good time. He enjoyed dancing, singing karaoke and drinking
red wine. Even after his stroke, he continued to live up to his name's meaning, "good
adventure." He traveled within the US and abroad, visiting the Philippines twice, sunbathing on
the beaches of the Bahamas and Mexico in his wheelchair and enjoying the salty air on the
Disney cruise. Despite his disability, he was able to make special memories and enjoy vacation
with the whole family. In later years, Ben leaned into his routine of watching his favorite movies
and spending time with his grandchildren at home.
To celebrate Ben's well lived life, a memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23rd
from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm (prayer service at 6:30 pm) at Colonial Wojciechowski Funeral Home
at 80255 W. Golf Rd. Niles, IL. There will also be a memorial mass on Friday, October 24th at
10:00 am at St. John Brebeuf in Niles, IL. The inurnment will immediately follow the mass at All
Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.