Benjamin S. Callejo

Callejo, Benjamin S.- Age 76 of Orlando, passed away on Friday, January 21, 2011. He was born on December 4, 1934 in Zambonga City, Republic of the Philippines. Benjamin grew up and completed high school and attended FEATI University in Manila for 2 1/2 years. He Joined the U.S. Navy, leaving his native land, and received his GED from San Diego Commmunity College. In the Navy, he served as an EM-1 shipboard electrician's mate on many aircraft carriers and on the USS Ray submarine. He obtained American citizenship in 1974. Retiring from the Navy after 22 years, he was employed at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for 13 years. As a resident he was active in the Filipino-American Association and servid as vice-president. Due to the base closure he transferred to Patrick Air Force Base under 45th Space Civil Engeneering where he retired in 1998. It was very rewarding for him to be able to go to work each day and accomplish his job with integrity. He enjoyed music, singing, fishing, Bible studies,animals and especially his cats, Ava and Tiger. He was an active member of The Candlelighters Bible Study Class, the Senior Adults and the First Baptist Church of Oviedo.

He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Susan Elaine; a caring son, Jeffrey A. Callejo, San Diego, CA; a step-daughter, Candace (James) Clay; grandchildren, Kelly Callejo, Haley, Taylor and Tori Clay; brother, Bruno (Rebecca) Callejo; 2 sisters, Mercedes Cenzia, Vallejo, CA and Josephine Villagas, the Philippines; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruno and Paula Callejo; a son, Benjamin F. Callejo, 3 brothers, Tony, Cesar and Carmelito Callejo, the Philippines; Parent-in-law, Reverend and Mrs. Joe Brewster; a step-daughter, Amy Turner, Gadsen, AL.

Many thanks to the VA doctors and nurses, the Florida Cancer Institute Dr. Staff, special friend, Deany Miller, Ocoee, and the Florida Hospital 9th and 10th Tower Nursing Staff; pallbearers, Jeff Callejo, Bruno Callejo, Jalna Brewster, Clifford Frazier, Raymond Callejo and Don Dowdy.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 27, 2011 in the Newcomer Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL at 1:30 PM. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In Lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.