Celestino "Joe" Bonifacio

Joe was born on July 8th, 1943 in Pasig, Philippines. He moved to the Southern California Area in his early 20's and worked for Jaguar and Volvo's Corporate Headquarters in Torrance, CA.

In 1972 he started several Board and Care Facilities and in the 80's owned and operated Goldilock's Bakery and Coffee Shop Franchises. He also continued his family tradition by operating several auto collision repair shops, Bonifacio Motors, Inc. in the Los Angeles Area and was an integral part of Torrance Mitsubishi in his retirement. A devoted family man, Joe was active in his grandchildren's endeavors, including sports, family programs and philanthropic activities.

In retirement, he enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Mexico and Asia with his family and friends. He ensued his love of fishing by becoming a member of the International Game Fish Association and Vagabundos Del Mar Travel Club. Throughout his life he shared his love of the Los Angeles Lakers and deep sea fishing in the Sea of Cortez and the Southern California region with his friends and family.

Joe is survived by his wife of 23 years Theresita "Bon" Bonifacio. Sons and daughters: Joel & Maria Paz Zamora, Justo & Maria Consuelo Justo, Joel & Thelma Bonifacio, Vincent & Margarita Vaca, Stephen & Angelica Dobbs, Marc Bonifacio, Jose & Rogielyn Vallejo, Joanne Bonifacio, Joseph Bonifacio, and Jonathan & Josie Gonzalez. Grandchildren Joven Zamora, Kristine Justo, Thomas Justo, Justin Justo, Vanessa Bonifacio, Joel Bonifacio, Jr., Carmen Bonifacio, Alfonso Vaca, Alexandra Vaca, AJ Vaca, Makena Dobbs, Cooper Dobbs, Karissa Dobbs, Sebastian Vallejo, Errol Gonzalez, Elijah Gonzalez, Gabrielle Luz Gonzalez, Amanda Poblano, and Mark Mendoza; Great Gandchild: Terryn Clark. Brothers and Sisters: Beth Delaroca, Ernesto Bonifacio, Rudolfo Bonifacio, David Bonifacio, Marietta Sanchez, Raquel Miguel, Raul Bonifacio, Celestino Bonifacio, and Jonathan Bonifacio.

He is preceded in death by his father Celestino Bonifacio, Sr., mother Maria Del Rosario, brothers Ross and Benjamin Bonifacio.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday August 18th from 6:00PM –10:00 PM and Wednesday August 19th from 6:00PM-10PM at Rice Mortuary in Torrance, CA. Memorial Services will begin at 10:00 AM at St Philomena in Carson CA then Interment at Rose Hills Cemetery Portal De La Paz Mausoleum in Whittier CA at 12:30PM with a reception to follow at Rice Mortuary 3:00PM-5:00PM.

Please use this website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories and obtain directions to services.