Venancio de los Reyes “Ben” Rupinta, 86, passed away the afternoon of August 16, 2022 at his residence in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Ben was born on May 18, 1936 and raised in Ozamis, Philippines.
Upon graduating high school, Ben attended the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT), Cebu City, Philippines, in 1955, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and successfully completed the Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) program. Ben served in the Philippine Army until 1962, moving up the ranks as a lieutenant, then captain, then commanding officer in the infantry. After leaving the Army, Ben enrolled in Engineering School at CIT and received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1964.
While in Cebu City, Ben met his loving wife of 58 years, Rosenda Mata Duterte. Ben moved his wife to Iligan City where he worked as a Supervisor with Fil-Vinyl/Mabuhay (plastic company) as a Production Supervisor for 6 years. In 1972, Ben moved his young family to the United States for a more stable and opportunistic life.
Ben was quickly hired by Seaboard Coastline/CSX Transportation and over a long career held a number of different positions before finally retiring as a Senior Hazardous Materials Specialist, traveling across the United States, responding to train derailments and inspecting CSX shops.
As a young child, Ben was always very active in church, serving mass as a lecture and altar boy. His devotion to Christ and the church continued throughout his adult years, even after moving to Jacksonville Beach. Ben continued to serve God by volunteering at Chapel by the Sea in Mayport and St. Paul’s Catholic Church, singing in the choir and playing the guitar. He was a member of the Fil-Am Club and enjoyed playing his guitar for many of their events and gatherings.
Ben had an amazing musical talent listening to music and playing songs by ear. He also enjoyed fishing with his wife and children. More than anything, Ben enjoyed time with his family and grandchildren.
Ben is preceded in death by his sons Joseph Kevin and Daniel Rey. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Rosenda (Duterte) Rupinta, son Vernon Patrick Rupinta (wife Christina) and 3 daughters, Maria Brenda Kitchens (husband Jimmy), Zilda Rupinta Drever (husband Scott) and Carina Leigh Bell (husband James), Daughter-In-Law, Kelly Rupinta. Ben had 11 grandchildren. Two siblings Marietta Vasquez and Erning Rupinta.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with rosary prayers starting at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.
There will be a funeral mass at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church 523 Pablo Avenue Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.
Burial will be held at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery, 4750 Palm Valley Rd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
A reception will be held after the internment at St. Paul’s Catholic Church Family Life Center.
Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or in lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial gifts to Dial-A-Ride, 281 19th Avenue South Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
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