Benjamin T. Parrilla

Benjamin Tolorio Parrilla, Sr. peacefully passed away on February 21, 201Q at age 88, surrounded by his loved ones at home, in Shoreline, WA. He was born on September 18, 1921 in Matis Davao Oriental, Philippines, raised his family in Punta, Ormoe, Philippines, and had lived in the Seattle area since 1983, Ben was preceded in death by Lourdes Caorte Tripoli, his wife of 49 years. He is survived by his second wife, Virginia Alao; children: Resanerie (Arsenic, Jr.), Reuel (Arsenia), Bethuel (Maria Elma), Mehetabel (Felipe, Jr.), Ebenezer (Leonila), Abigail (Fedenrio), Leah Joyce (Sofronio, Jr.), Jemimah (Jesus Jr.)s Jonathan (Marcia Irene), Benjamin Jr. (Ian Rose) and Joiada (Oscar Jr.); 6 step-children, 28 grandchildren, 9 grandchildren-in-law; 9 great-grand-children; 5 step-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He served with the Philippine Scouts and survived the Bataan Death March during World War II. After working as a government auditor until close to retirement, he immigrated to the United States and worked two jobs to earn enough to sponsor immigration of all of his children to the U.S.

He enjoyed gathering his extended family together to share instances of God's faithfulness as well as of burdens and struggles family members are facing. An important biennial event is the family reunion of the members of the Kabataan (Children) of Benjamin and Lourdes Parrilla, which features family-building activities, Bible devotions and family reports.

He showed his love to his family with his strict discipline, words of encouragement and of correction, funnyjokes and humble prayers. He was a member of Seattle Alliance Bible Fellowship and had attended Seattle First Presbyterian Church. His legacy of strong faith in Jesus Christ, life-long interest in learning and self-sacrifice for the family will be cherished and remembered by his loved ones.