Ben Pascual Tungpalan's Obituary
The world was blessed to have Benjamin Pascual Tungpalan for 96 years. Born on August 24, 1924 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines, Ben was the youngest of seven children born to Bernardino and Barbara Tungpalan.
In 1946, his older brother had a ticket for sea passage with the hope of working in Hawaii; however became too ill to travel. Even at this early age, Ben wasted nothing so he used the ticket to come to Hawaii as a plantation worker for the Pioneer Mill Company, where he worked until he retired as Sugar Processor in 1992. Ben also proudly served in the National Guard for six years between 1954 and 1960.
When he first arrived, he lived in Haiku and then moved to Puukolii. When he got to Puukolii Camp, he met Sabina Dela Cruz. The family has many stories of him sneaking visits with Sabina before they were married on June 6, 1953. Together, Ben and Sabina raised four daughters in Honokowai; Deborah, Barbara, Ponciana and Monica. They also experienced the loss of their infant son, Steven.
As you can imagine as the patriarch of a family of women, Ben was a quiet man with an unparalleled sense of humor, biting wit and mischievous smile. His nicknames for family members and friends bring smiles when remembering how the names were chosen by him and likewise if someone had no clue how it was chosen!
Ben had a number of talents. Generations of families benefited from his talent of cooking for large parties. He was an excellent tailor who made his own pants. He was a self-taught welder who built things he needed with what he could find and salvage, like large cooking pots out of washing machine drums.
On May 12, 2021, Ben joined his wife Sabina, who predeceased him in 1992. He was also welcomed by his son Steven; his grandchildren Lori-Ann, Jenilee and Nicholas; and his great-grandchild, Keliko along with many other beloved family members.
His daughters; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchild are very thankful for his decision to get on that boat to Hawaii in 1946. Each grandchild had a unique loving relationship with Ben; Melissa, Chris, Joanna, Daniel, Brandon and Jackie. He was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild: Tia, Sabina, Kainoa, Mauka, Kincaid, Pakana, Lawaia, Pi’ikea, KaLeo, Kaylee, Nathan, Koa, Molly, Pohaku, Halia, Adam, Na’i and Wailele.
The public is welcome to a viewing at Nakamura Mortuary in Wailuku on June 7th from 9:30 to 10:30. Mask and social distancing is required.
Due to COVID restrictions, Ben’s service at 10:30 will be limited to the family. Friends and family are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life at Ben’s residence (45 Kameeui Pl) at 6:00pm on June 7th.
What’s your fondest memory of Ben?
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