Ben C. Aguirre, Sr.

Venario (Ben) Cariaga Aguirre, 73, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 26, 2024. Born on March 22, 1951 in Pasuquin, Philippines, he was the cherished son of Juan Aguirre and Salvacion Cariaga. Venario grew up alongside his sister, Noblena Aguirre Caliva.

In his youth, Venario joined the United States Army, proudly serving his adopted country for seven years. His dedication to service continued with 40 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and the veteran community alike.

Venario first settled in San Francisco, where he met Florence McNeil in 1979. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Ben Jr. and Roxann. Coming from humble beginnings, Venario and Florence worked very hard to instill values of hard work and commitment to family among their children. Eventually, they moved to Santa Clara with Noblena and her children, and sacrificed to ensure that their children were given the opportunity to go to college, find meaningful careers, and ultimately raise families of their own.

Later in life, Venario relocated with the VA to Sacramento, where he purchased a home with ample space to grow a garden. It was there that he found peace and joy in cultivating a variety of vegetables he proudly shared with family and friends.

Venario was a man of contrasts—complex yet loving in his own unique way. He expressed his care through thoughtful gestures like cooking meals, sharing the fruits of his garden, checking in with a call or text, and was very generous with loved ones. Venario took pride in his sharp style, often sporting slacks with a track jacket, a beanie, Converse shoes, and a smile. He also loved his Mustang, which he spent many hours cleaning and maintaining. When he was not in his garden or reading a book, Venario could be found at a casino playing slots or blackjack.

Venario lived life unapologetically. Venario's legacy is one of resilience, independence, resourcefulness, sharp intellect, and generosity—qualities he expressed through his actions and a life lived fully on his own terms.

Venario is preceded in death by his mother, father and son, Ben Jr. He is survived by his daughter Roxann Aguirre Catuna, son-in-law Marius, Florence McNeil, stepdaughter Marina, sister Noblena, nieces and nephews, grandchildren Asher, Tony, Ryan and Lorelei, and many close friends and family members who will miss him dearly.

Rest in peace, Venario. Your garden flourished as a reflection of your heart, and your memory will continue to bloom in the lives of those you touched.