Hernandez, Ben Bonilla's Obituary
Ben Hernandez, known by his grandchildren as “Papa” and siblings as “Bhoy”, 69,
of Maui, Hawaii, passed away on August 20 2024.
He was born on August 10, 1955 to Policronio and Rosario (Bonilla) Hernandez in
San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
Ben graduated from Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades (INCAT) where he
studied carpentry. He moved to Paia, Hawaii with his mother and four younger
brothers in 1975. He returned to the Philippines and met the love of his life,
Lumen (Juan) where they were happily married in Manila, Philippines in 1981.
He worked as a sugar boiler mechanic for Hawaii Commercial & Sugar (HC&S) at
the Paia Mill and transferred to the Pu’unene mill where he worked for over 35
years until it closed down in 2016.
Ben and Lumen went on to have two children, Jojo and Heidi. In 2016, Ben retired
and spent his time caring for his grandson Justin Hernandez, gardening, and
maintaining his second home in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He was an active member of Christ The King Church where he and his wife were
also members of the Marian Choir. He also loved singing karaoke and playing at
the golf range with his friends, and also loved to play basketball. His favorite
hobbies were cleaning his cars, and walking with his wife and his dog Howie at
Keopuolani Park.
Ben was a devoted husband, caring father, and loyal friend. He was focused, and
always busy working on projects around the house and always cleaning something
or helping others as a handyman.
He was warm, kind, welcoming, humble, and loved by many and will be missed
dearly. He was always taking care of people, especially his wife and family.
Blessed with many talents, he was a passionate dancer, he loved ballroom dancing
with his wife, and was always searching on YouTube for new music and dances to
learn and teach.
Ben is survived by his loving wife Lumen Hernandez of 43 wonderful years, son
Jojo Hernandez, and daughter Heidi Hernandez and grandchild Justin Hernandez,
his sisters Estelita Salmo, Sally Hernandez, and brothers Gualberto, Benjamin,
Rudy, and Alfredo Hernandez. He is preceded in death by his mother Rosario
Hernandez.
The Hernandez family are grateful to the nurses, doctors, and staff at LDS Hospital
in Utah. Also to the many family, relatives and friends who supported him.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Christ The
King Church in Kahului. Family and relatives visitation at 3pm. Public visitation at
5pm to 9pm. Service and Mass on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 9am - 12pm.
Burial services will take place at 12:30pm at Maui Memorial Park in Wailuku.
Lunch will follow at Christ the King Church Hall.
What’s your fondest memory of Ben?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ben?
Share a story where Ben's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ben you’ll never forget.
How did Ben make you smile?