Benjie Catapang Dimaano

Benjie Dimaano was born forty-five years ago in Halang, a barangay in Taal, Batangas Province, Philippines. In 1998, he came to the United States and made his home in Arlington, Virginia, where he later became a proud U.S. citizen. On the afternoon of March 28, surrounded by the love of his family, Benjie peacefully left this world after suffering a significant stroke.

He is deeply mourned and lovingly remembered by his mother, father, brothers, grandmother, aunts, uncles, nephews, many cousins, friends and relatives across the United States, the Philippines, and around the world.

As a child, Benjie and his brothers, Jay and Miljohn, were lovingly raised by their grandmother, Carmen—Inay—while their mother, Melecia, worked abroad to support them. He always protected his brothers, and they remained close throughout their lives. He graduated from Rizal College in Taal before joining his parents in the United States, where the family began a new chapter together in Arlington.

Benjie had many joys in life. He loved music and basketball, especially cheering for Michael Jordan. He embraced his father’s Pittsburgh teams, becoming a loyal fan of the Penguins and the Steelers. But nothing delighted him more than driving. Earning his driver’s license brought him a sense of freedom and happiness, and he found real fulfillment working as a delivery driver, both because he loved being on the road and because helping others came naturally to him.

At his core, Benjie was a gentle and compassionate soul. He cared deeply for his family, and his nephews brought him endless laughter and joy, especially when he would take them to 7-Eleven. He carried a quiet, generous love, some of it shared, some of it held privately, but always given freely. He was happiest when surrounded by family or when returning home to the Philippines, where his roots and memories lived.

Benjie is dearly missed by all who knew him. His absence leaves a space that can only be filled with the love, stories, and memories he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Benjie's honor to:

Catholic Relief Services (CRS): https://www.crs.org

World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Ann Catholic Church, 5300 10th St N, Arlington, VA 22205. A reception will follow in the church hall.