Mr. Jose Beng Luciano Devera

Jose De Vera, otherwise known as “Tatay” to his children and grandchildren, “Beng” to his parents, siblings and closest friends, or “Brother Joe” to fellow worshipers of God, was born on March 18, 1946 in Sapangbato Angeles City, Philippines. His parents Anastacio and Patrocina De Vera had six other children: Dolores, Ernesto, Mary, Nicanor, Aurora and Odilon. They raised them to be strong, hardworking individuals. It was then that Jose learned to stand up and be a man who would strive for happiness and success in both his and his family’s lives. He built himself a reputation based on hard-earned trust and respect that so many others could only hope to gain someday. On May 29, 1966, Jose married Lorenza Ilao and the couple later gave life to four beautiful sons: Dennis, Joel, Allan and Jenry.

On December 10, 1988, Jose and his Wife Lorenza moved on to bigger and better dreams. The two immigrated to the United States with hopes of building an even stronger home for their growing family. With the help of Jose’s sister Mary and brother-in-law Ben David, he and Lorenza were able to maintain a stable lifestyle that his children would soon be able to gain from. By working two full-time jobs, Jose managed to rent their first apartment that they could call home. Eventually, more hard work would lead to even more success. Soon enough, the couple purchased a townhouse in Milpitas, California. There, they raised the three youngest of their sons and helped care for grandchildren that would later come along. After 12 prosperous years, they purchased a new home that was better fit for a much bigger family. Jose spent the rest of his blessed life in this house.

The greatest things that Jose left behind were countless memories filled with so much love and happiness. He was kind-hearted, extremely giving, and passionate to say the least. As an immigrant in the lands of America, Jose may not have had everything, but he gave whatever he had to the people who were most important. His family always came first in his life, but the friends he grew to cherish and respect were not far behind. No one would argue that one of his greatest passions was entertaining a house full of guests. He was a good host to anyone who came around, as he never missed an opportunity to make sure one was well fed and comfortable in his home. After all, he did know how to cook “the best food in the world!”

Aside from entertaining, Jose also had a love for agriculture. From childhood to his later years, Jose was blessed with what some might call a green thumb. Perhaps it was the inspiration in his heart that allowed him to be so successful in nurturing just about any type of plant he desired. Whatever it was, he was able to nurture a beautiful garden in his very own backyard. Years from now, even his grandchildren will be able to see the time and hard work that he put into it all, as they will continue to prosper.

In 2006, Jose would endure one of the greatest challenges of his life. After being diagnosed with throat cancer, he was eventually rushed to the hospital for an emergency surgical procedure in order to remove a malignant tumor. His life was at risk, but he later made it home with a feeding tube to keep his body nourished. In 2007, the feeding tube was removed and he was able to eat on his own once again. With blessings come challenges. For over two years, Jose would undergo extensive radical chemotherapy, radiation, and various experimental cancer treatments. A very difficult time in his and his family’s life, they all still kept flames of hope in their hearts. Unfortunately, in 2009, the cancer spread throughout Jose’s liver and spine. Despite all of his hardships, his last goal was to accept Christ into his life. Jose was able to cherish the final days of his life with reassurance of God’s goodness and grace. He was always thankful for the gifts that he was blessed with, but now he could hold onto God’s promise of redemption; in turn, he surrendered his last breaths to Him.

Jose De Vera lived his life to the fullest, as he allowed the simple things in this world to make him happy. Whether it was singing karaoke at a family party or just cooking for his children and grandchildren, his life was filled with personal triumph. For these simple things, he will always be remembered.