Benito dela Peña Refresca, born January 12, 1951 Laguna, Philippines, joined our Heavenly Creator on Saturday, October 26, 2019 in his Lake Forest residence.Benito was lovingly known as Dad to his wife, Daddy to his 4 children, Papa Ben to his grandkids, and Doc, Kuya Ito, Kuya Ben, or Bro Ben to relatives and friends. Second to 12 children, Ben was born to Alejandro and Vicenta.Ben met the love of his life Estrella while he was taking Veterinary Medicine. Ben and Estrella married in the February of 1975.
He graduated Zoology at the Far Eastern University Philippines, and pursued Veterinary Medicine soon after graduation while teaching as a College Professor at Yanga University.Ben worked for Robina Farms Corp for 18 years as a Veterinary Consultant and Resource Speaker,Veterinary Contract Grower for Vitarich Corp for 5 years, and poultry supplierfor 5 years to both Magnolia and Bounty Fresh chicken.
Ben was a generous man. He did the best he could to support his mother and all his siblings when his father Alejandro passed away.For years, he sponsored Community Basketball Leagues,Church activities, and was a benefactor to a few who could not afford to go to school.
Benito was a man of deep faith.In the Philippines, he was a member of (PREX) Parish Renewal Experience, Bukas Palad sa Diyos and Couples for Christ.Ben joined Together in Christ, here in California about three years ago and had been one of their key Speaker/Evangelizer a year after that.Ben's pride and joy was being a great provider to all that he dearly loved.His greatest pleasure in life was drawing people closer to God by sharing the Bible teachings.
For leisure, he would either go fishing, read the Bible or any religious books, watch educational TV shows, or just lay in bed with Estrella talking about their plans of retiring back in his home country.
Ben loved and valued nothing but the time spent with friends and family.He is survived by his wife Estrella, children Ethelyn, August, Evangeline, Andrew Jay, Mylene (daughter-in-law), Timmy (son-in-law), and grand babies Mark, Angel, Travis, Adriel, Ayene, Austyn, and Arvyn.
Services will be held Thursday, November 7, 2019, 5:00PM at McCormick & Son Mortuaries, 25002 Moulton Parkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92637,followed by reception.