Bienvenido Morales Cancel

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father Bienvenido Cancel Morales (Phillip) as he was known to many. He passed away surrounded by his family at Pleasant Valley Hospital after a short illness, he was 88 years young.

Phillip was a proud Veteran and spent his senior days at the Oxnard family Circle where he exercised and made many friends. Phillip would get up early every day, make coffee for home and burritos for his friends at the Family Circle. After reading the morning paper he'd be ready for the bus to arrive. He would almost run-not walk when the bus arrived. To him he was going to work. He was so proud. He never missed a day. We want to thank the Oxnard Family Circle and all their volunteers for their kindness toward our father.

Our dad, Phillip was born on March 22, 1924, In Arroyo, Puerto Rico, to the union of Antonia and Juan Cancel. He was the eldest son of five children.

He loved a good party. His passion as a fisherman was second to none and his favorite meal was Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Phillip was an avid sports fan; he loved to watch boxing and baseball (especially his California Angels). He also enjoyed having a daily argument in the evening with his novellas and if he read it in the Enquirer- it was bible.

Phillip loved to dance and often sing with his youngest sister, Maria, at family gatherings reminding him of their younger days. The harmony they shared would always bring tears to our eyes. He loved to be around people.

In the early 1960's he was given a opportunity to come and work as a contractor at the port Hueneme Base- he saw this as opportunity for his family to prosper so he accepted the job leaving his immediate family and lifelong friends and made the move from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Oxnard.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army 1943-1946 WWII, serving as a Technician Fifth Grade and received a Honorable Discharge.

He loved to cook and would always make a mean rice and beans. He was always in charge of the holiday turkey and pork roast and it was ALWAYS moist and juicy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Theresa and their son John Christopher (JC); his sisters Saro, and Virginia; and brother, Roberto. Phillip is survived by his daughters Rose Marie Sanchez, Angela Ortiz (John), Dolores Gomez (Ralph), Margaret and Judy Cancel. Grandchildren William (Billy) Lorenzana, Paul M. Torres, Marcus, Monica and Michelle Ortiz, Theresa Cancel, Brother Martin (Phillip Merriman), Brian, Anthony and Adrianne Gomez, and Vincent John Cancel; his great-grandchildren, the pride of his life Evan, and Ella Bowen, Alyah and Julius Gomez, Josiah Christopher Lorenzana, Ricky, Adrienne and Evelyn Cancel. We will deeply miss our father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He lived his daily life to the fullest thinking of his nieces and nephews, Oscar, Cecilia, Hector, Ingrid, Lionel, Roberto, and Wanda.

Visitation and viewing will be held Monday, Nov. 12, from 3 to 9 p.m. with recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. at FDA Conrad Carroll Mortuary, 401 W. Channel Isl. Blvd., Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Parish. Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow at Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery, Oxnard.

Arrangements are under the direction of FDA Conrad Carroll Mortuary. 487-4911.