Benjamin P Reyes' Obituary
Benjamin P. Reyes, Sr.,February 23, 1940 – October 22, 2019.Benjamin P. Reyes, Sr. was born in Manila, Philippines to Felino and Rosario Delos Reyes. He met his wife of 55 years, Edita Toledo Reyes, in high school. A graduate of LaSalle University, Ben joined the United States Navy in 1960 and started a new adventure that took him all over this vast world, ultimately visiting all seven continents on several tours of duty during his decorated 30 year career. Ben achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer prior to retiring. His service included deployment to the naval blockade in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, two tours of duty during the Vietnam War, the Apollo 14 Recovery Mission, and the maiden voyage of the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S Carl Vinson.Ben moved his family from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to Alameda, California, where he retired from the Navy. A 40 year parishioner of St. Barnabas Catholic Church, Ben served in the Knights of Columbus and on the Parish Council. Ben also served as a board member of the United Pilipinos of Alameda, Inc. and the NorCal San Antonians, Inc. In addition to his numerous service awards from the Navy, Ben was recognized by the State of California as the Veteran of the Year for 2018 in Assembly District 18. He was also recently recognized by the City of Alameda for his 40 years of community service and was presented with a Mayoral Proclamation celebrating October 15, 2019 as “Benjamin P. Reyes Day” in the City of Alameda.Benjamin P. Reyes, Sr. has a large and loving extended family. He is survived by his wife, Edita, his brother, Jovencio P. Reyes and his family. Ben is also survived by his children, Superior Court Judge Benjamin T. Reyes II and his wife, Susan Reyes; Irma Reyes Glidden; Charisma Reyes Beesley and her husband, James W. Beesley; and Ariel “Kiddo” T. Reyes and his wife, Mylene Calderon Reyes. Ben’s grandchildren are Nicholas J. Frankel, Marlene Calderon Usi, Benjamin Adam Reyes III, James W. Beesley, Jr., Isabel San Juan Reyes, Robert T. Glidden, Jr., Gabriel L. Reyes, Ryan X. Reyes, Kiana Marie Reyes and Maya Edita Reyes. Ben has touched many lives with his gracious smile, his generous spirit and his beautiful singing voice.Requiem Mass is scheduled for November 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 1427 Sixth St., Alameda, CA 94501, followed by interment at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544. Sympathy cards may be sent to Mrs. Edita T. Reyes c/o Susan S. Reyes, P.O. Box 1293, Alameda, CA 94501.
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