Benjamin Antonio Centeno

Benjamin Antonio Centeno, beloved son, husband, father, and friend, was born on October 13, 1972, in San Jose, California, and passed away on March 3, 2026, in Los Baños, California. He was the cherished only child of Rosa Maria Perez and Benjamin Centeno.

Ben grew up in San Jose surrounded by deep love, especially from his beloved Lita Panchita, who cared for him as if he were her own. She spoiled him with his favorite papas and spoke to him only in Spanish, shaping the warmth and cultural pride that stayed with him throughout his life. When Ben began kindergarten at Montgomery Elementary, not knowing English was difficult, but it later became a blessing when he met his lifelong friend, Ed Alvarez, who shared the same experience.

As a child, Ben was loving, happy, and fiercely competitive. At nine years old, he played first base in baseball and formed a tight-knit group of neighborhood friends—Chris, John, Danny, Jose, and Francisco—friendships that lasted a lifetime. His father taught him to drive at just twelve years old, and by thirteen, Ben was confidently cruising around the neighborhood. At fifteen, he met Lina, the love of his life, through mutual friends, beginning a partnership that would define his future.

Ben had a lifelong passion for anything with wheels. He loved RC cars, motorcycles, Monster trucks, YSRs, go karts, and especially lowriders. His love for lowriding began in the late ’80s and early ’90s with his mini truck and Regal, marking the start of a passion that would become a defining part of who he was.

Throughout his life, Ben worked many jobs and made friends everywhere he went. His first job was at Silver Creek Car Wash, followed by Price Club—now Costco. He later worked at Body Effects for Jeff, where he gained another circle of close friends. He also worked at Caterair Airport and Kaiser Cement, always known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and easygoing nature.

In the 1990s, Ben had the exciting opportunity to join the Reds Hydraulics team, where he hopped his iconic truck, Pikachu. He competed in and won numerous hop competitions, earning admiration and respect throughout the lowrider community.

Ben and Lina welcomed three beautiful children who became the center of his world: their first son, Jimmie, in September 1992; their second son, Anthony, in July 1995; and their daughter, "Princess" Caroline, in August 1997. He was endlessly proud of them and devoted to his family.

Ben’s passion for hydraulics continued throughout his life. What began as a hobby grew into his own business—Hop Shop Hydraulics—where he poured his creativity, skill, and heart into every build. His work, like his presence, left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

In 2019, Ben’s life changed in the most beautiful way when he became a grandfather "Papa" to his first granddaughter, Eliana Noemi Centeno. This little girl softened him into the biggest teddy bear with an even bigger heart. In 2023, he welcomed his second granddaughter, Tatiana Paloma Centeno, bringing even more joy and light into his life. Family was everything to Ben, and nothing else mattered more to him than the people he loved.

Ben will be remembered for his kindness, his laughter, his loyalty, and the way he made everyone feel like family. His legacy lives on in his wife Lina, mother Rosa, children Jimmie, Anthony, and only daughter "Princess" Caroline, grandchildren Eliana & Tatiana, family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.