Adventor Guia Foronda

Adventor “Ben” Guia Foronda was born in Candon, Ilocus Sur, Philippines on May 18, 1931 to Basilio and Felina Foronda. Ben had two sisters and one brother. His unique name came from his father, who wanted his son to travel the world and be an adventurer. He studied engineering at National University, but after his third year, he lived up to his name and joined the United States Navy to see the world. At first, he was told he was too short (5-foot-3-inches). So to support himself, he took a job painting bridges, hanging over the sides with only a thin rope tied around his waist. Shortly after that, the Navy reduced its height requirement, and Ben was told to report to Sangley Point Naval Station to begin his new career as a sailor. Like many other Filipinos who enlisted in the Navy after World War II, he started out in the galley as a cook. He eventually worked his way up to machinist mate, specializing in air conditioning and refrigeration. Ben was assigned to four ships during his career, served in the Vietnam War, and travelled to a number of countries, including Japan, Spain, Monaco, and the Netherlands, as well as the USA. After 20 years in the Navy, Ben retired in 1974 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Ben and his wife Isabel were married for 57 years and had four children: Audrey, Kathleen, Benjie (Adventor Jr.), and Mark. He shared his love of the sea with his family, taking frequent trips to the ocean and enjoying boating, swimming, fishing, crabbing, and clamming. Besides being an avid fisherman, Ben enjoyed playing tennis and chess. Active in his community, Ben co-founded the Filipino-American Club in Orlando, and served as its first president. He was also a member of the Filipino-American Veterans Association. To his family and friends, he was The Handyman, a “Mr. Fixit” who was always happy to help repair appliances and cars for free. Yet his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren: Gina, Isabella, and Julianna. All three credit their grandfather with teaching them how to properly slide off furniture as toddlers (feet first), ride a bike (with the same little two-wheeler that he kept in his garage), and of course, how to fish. Ben passed peacefully from this life the morning of August 29th, 2016, after a gradual decline in health. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and caregivers during the last days of his life. We will miss him deeply, but we find comfort in knowing that he has joined our God in heaven.