Cenon Sosa Buenaventura

On March 15, 2021, at the age of 92 years, our dear Dad, Cenon Sosa Buenaventura peacefully passed away. He was at his home, surrounded by his loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Cenon was born in Tanza Cavite, Philippines (officially) on July 9, 1928. He was born to Isabelo and Constancia (Irag) Buenaventura as the 4th child in his family of 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

As a young boy, Cenon helped to support his family’s income by selling ice candy. His favorite room in the house was the kitchen because “there was a lot of food!” He once admitted he was better at his eating skills than cooking.

Cenon enlisted in the United States Navy at the young age of 16 years. He met his beautiful bride, Miss Nolita Sanchez a few years into his navy career. The two became one on May 20, 1951. Over the next 62 years, they would become an inseparable family unit, raising their own 8 children along the way, while traveling to Cenon’s naval duty stations in the Philippines, Okinawa, Hawaii, Guam, and San Diego.

It was in San Diego that Cenon completed his 22 years of service and honorably retired. He continued providing for his family, working humbly and respectfully as a civil servant. After dedicating 20 years of his skills and talents to the US Coast Guard he happily retired. Throughout his years of work, Cenon was blessed by God’s provision and guidance.

Along with his devoted wife, Noly, who anchored the family, the two were able to purchase and pay off their first home, raise 8 children (with big appetites), support finances for college, and continue the legacy of a loving, close knit Buenaventura Family.

Cenon lived a simple life. He enjoyed decades of family get-togethers, good food, boxing, reading his newspaper, camping, fishing and most of all gardening and maintaining his exotic fruit trees and florals of many decades. To this day, his trees still bear an abundance of delicious and organically grown fruits.

Cenon was a person of faith and very grateful for God’s many blessings. He was a generous man always giving to those in need whether family, friends or strangers in the streets. He once gave his jacket on the spot, to a stranger. He had a heart for those who were suffering and in need.

Cenon is survived by his children: Bobby, Cesar, Albert, Dominic, Emlyn B. Valles, Vivian B. Deddeh, Susan B. Young and Grace B. Doughty. Dearly, he is missed by sixteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

The Buenaventura name means “abundance, blessing “ in its true translation. The enduring love of Cenon, a dedicated husband, father, grand-father, and great grandfather was truly the blessing to the Buenaventura Family Times Legacy.

Friends and Family, thank you for celebrating the life of Cenon Sosa Buenaventura - a life well lived.