Benito M Delrosario Jr

Born on April 14, 1939, in Makati, Philippines, Benito Del Rosario, Jr. was the fourth of seven children of Benito Del Rosario, Sr. and Leoncia Mendoza Del Rosario. With his father serving in the U.S. Army for over 25 years, Benito was raised primarily by his mother. From a young age, he learned the values of responsibility, resilience, and independence—qualities that would shape the rest of his life.

In 1959, Benito immigrated to San Francisco, California, following in the footsteps of his father, who was serving in the U.S. Army. His early years in the United States were marked by determination and hard work, including time spent laboring in the agricultural fields of Delano in the early 1960s. In 1963, Benito was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served honorably until 1965, including a deployment in Korea.

After returning home, Benito began working with Home Yardage, a local fabric retailer in San Francisco. In 1967, he met Normancita Mercado, and just three months later, the two were married—beginning a lifelong journey together.

In 1971, Benito purchased a home in South San Francisco, where he and Normancita would raise their family. His parents also lived in the same household, a reflection of Benito’s deep respect for family and tradition. That same year, he began working at Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), where he built a fulfilling 27-year career before retiring in 1998.

Throughout the years, Benito opened up his home to many—welcoming family members who needed a place to live and friends passing through. His home became a hub of warmth, support, and togetherness. It was this generosity of spirit that defined so much of who he was: a man who never hesitated to give, help, or host.

Independent by nature and adventurous at heart, Benito loved to travel. He especially cherished trips to New York and the Philippines, where he enjoyed reconnecting with family, culture, and lifelong friends.

Benito was a true people person. With a warm smile and genuine interest in others, he could make connections with anyone—young or old, rich or poor. His humor, sense of style, humility, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He is survived by his loving wife, Normancita Del Rosario; his son, Jason Del Rosario; his daughter, Jasmine Garcia; his son-in-law, Christopher Garcia; and his three treasured grandchildren: Irelyn (13), Zealyn (10), and Londen (7) Garcia, who brought endless pride and joy to his life.

Benito is also survived by his two siblings, Angelita (Del Rosario) Pontino and Rodrigo Del Rosario, who reside in the Elk Grove and southern Sacramento areas, along with a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family throughout California, across the United States, and in the Philippines. He kept close ties with many, maintaining relationships across generations and borders.

Benito’s life was one of service, family, generosity, and deep connection. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the love he so freely gave. He will be remembered with honor, gratitude, and enduring affection.