Mr. Benjamin Esteve

Benjamin Victor Esteve passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, July 30, 2012 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on December 19, 1933 in Mezquiriz, a small town in the Erro Valley, province of Navarra, Spain. He arrived in New York in 1952 and was among one of the last groups of immigrants to go through Ellis Island.

Ben, as he was known to his family and friends, first arrived to California and worked as a sheepherder for his cousin, Joe Etcheverry for five years. Thereafter, Ben worked for John Bonadelle Homes for two years in carpentry which he enjoyed very much.

On New Year's Eve of 1960, he met and fell in love with his future wife of 51 years, Teresa Campos. They wed on September 30, 1961 at St. John's Cathedral in Fresno California. He enjoyed telling the story that when he proposed to Teresa, before giving her response, she asked if he had his American papers! On December 15th of 1962, Ben and Teresa welcomed their daughter, Anna Marie into their happy home.

Ben went on to work with his brothers-in-law, Fermin and Tony, for a short while on their ranch in Riverdale, California. He then went on to spend thirteen years at American Transfer Trucking Company where he worked throughout the maintenance yard. In 1978, Ben owned and operated his own roadside harvester and later purchased and developed a vineyard on Caruthers Avenue where he spent his "best" years in America.

Ben had a very quick wit and always enjoyed a good laugh. Telling stories of his youth in Spain and the adventures he experienced in America to his nieces and nephews, and grand children with great detail were always a fun pastime for Ben. He was a proud member of the Fresno Basque Club. He was also an avid fisherman and loved going to the sierras and creek fishing.

Ben was a kind and gentle soul and for everyone who knows and loves him will be dearly missed.

His family sincerely and especially thanks Rachel Velazquez. Thanks also to Jeanine Mendoza, Deborah Andrada and Hinds Hospice for the comfort and care that Ben was given during his last days at home.

He is preceded in his death by his parents, Ignacia Saragueta and Luis Esteve; his sister Maria Luisa and her husband Julian Dufur; and brother, Jose Javier and his wife, Rosa Goicoechea.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa; their daughter Anna Marie Manley; son-in-law, Roy Manley; grandchildren, Benjamin and Emma; numerous nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews in Spain.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Thursday, August 2, 2012 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Friday, August 3, 2012 at 11 :00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hinds Hospice or Community Regional Hospital Foundation.