Ben L. Manfre
January 08, 1934 - August 27, 2019
Laguna Hills CA
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Ben L. Manfre
January 08, 1934 - August 27, 2019
Laguna Hills CA
Obituary
Ben L. Manfre, age 85, passed away on August 27, 2019 with his beloved wife of 62 years, Gladys J. Manfre at his side. Born January 8, 1934 in San Jose, California, Ben was the son of Italian immigrants, Benedict and Rose Manfre. He graduated from San Jose State University in 1956 as a civil engineer. After a brief stint at Kaiser Aluminum, he joined the Navy and completed officer’s training. He met Gladys in Chicago in 1957 and they were married four months later. He moved her to California while he was a communication officer on a destroyer off the coast of Japan. In 1960, he began a long and distinguished career in food machinery manufacturing. He held many executive positions and became President of Food Machinery Corporation (FMC), International Division. He traveled the world and had a great love of different foods and cultures. He took Gladys when he could and they enjoyed many adventures, continuing their travels until a few years ago. After leaving corporate America, Ben continued to consult and briefly owned a precast concrete company. During his retirement, his love of gardening was put to use as he became the resident rose expert at Laguna Hills Nursery. His garden at home contains over 250 rose bushes. Ben loved to learn and was an avid reader. His Catholic faith and love of family sustained him all his life.
In addition to Gladys, Ben is survived by his three daughters, Robin Jacobson (Bryan), Pamela Roy (Paul) and Cynthia Manfre-Valdes; eight grandchildren, Ryan Jacobson (Brittni), Meghan McKillop (Adam), Corey Jacobson (Amanda), Emily, Rachel and Allison Roy, Remy and Vincent Valdes; and three great-grandchildren, Hunter, Kinslee and Colton Jacobson. In his later years, Ben developed Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), a bone marrow failure disorder and memorial contributions can be made to the MDS Foundation (https://www.mds-foundation.org/donate/).
Funeral Mass
- Date & Time: September 6, 2019 (10:00 AM)
- Venue: Corpus Christi Catholic Church
- Location: 27231 Aliso Viejo Parkway Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 - (Get Directions)
13 responses to Ben L. Manfre
Miko Vaughn says:
August 29, 2019
Ben was my friend from Laguna Hills Nursery and I’ll never forget his kindness and wonderful youthful spirit. He had a wonderful laugh and was one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. He was curious and always made me feel important. I am extremely sad to hear this news, but I will always remember him. I am sending lots of love to Gladys and the family.
Pat & Mike Haynes says:
August 30, 2019
Much love & sympathy. Ben will be missed & kept in our prayers as so for the family too.
Preben Haagensen says:
August 30, 2019
I had the good fortune to know and work with Ben for two years while he was with the Envirotech Corporation and I reported to him as head of the Brazilian subsidiary. in 1979-1982. We became very good friends and I enjoyed working with him and especially his competence and sense of humour in the face of many of the challenges we faced. We kept in touch for many years since then, and I will always remember him and the enjoyable visits I had with him and Gladys in California.. I send my love and kind regards to Gladys..
Valeria Smrecek says:
August 30, 2019
We’re going to miss our dinners together.
Betty Bagliere Barsuglia says:
September 1, 2019
My love to Gladys, Robin, Pam, and Cyndi. Ben was my dad’s first and only cousin. I will cherish my memories of Sunday dinners at Grandma Connie’s on Vine Street. Though visits have been infrequent, the bonds of love always overcame time and distance. I was actually closer in age to Ben than my dad. He was that older cousin we loved, admired, and we were always proud of his achievements. Barry and I so enjoyed it when Ben and Gladys met us in Huntington Beach for dinner at his favorite Sicilian Restaurant a few years ago. I will miss you, cousin.