Belen, Jovencio Serna, SKC

Ben's second career was to serve the government again in the United States Postal Service. He retired from the Hamilton Station Post Office in Palo Alto in 2000. 

Jovencio was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, Uncle and friend. He enjoyed tennis, bowling, ping pong and billiards with his family and friends. He loved family gatherings and loved helping others. He was handsome, wise, humorous, kind, generous, strong and hospitable. His memory will live on in the hearts of his most beloved daughters, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Jovencio Serna Belen, also known as Ben Belen, passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law Elaine Tilton (Barry), Evelyn Belen (Paul Rodriguez), Janet Kendall (Charles) and Belenette Belen (Michael Burns); his eleven grandchildren Veronica, Beleny, Kyler, Joshua, Anna Belle, Jacqueline, Alina, Reese, Ryan, Caleb and Collin; and siblings Anita Suero, Corazon Salamanca, Marcos Belen, Consejo Pe Benito and many close cousins, nephews and nieces. He was married for over 50 years to Emma Apostol Belen until her death in August 2011. Also, preceded in death by his parents and younger sister, Rosario Belen.

Jovencio was born in the Philippines to Daniel and Gregoria Belen. He graduated from the University of the Phillippines with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He had planned to use his education to further develop and grow the ranch and farm land businesses his family owned. However, after his graduation in 1957, Ben enlisted in the United States Navy and traveled the world. After seven years of courtship and many love letters, Ben and Emma were married in 1961. Their first daughter, Elaine was born in the Philippines and while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, a few years, Evelyn and Janet were born. Their youngest daughter, Belenette is a native Californian, born in Lemoore while Ben was stationed at the US Naval Air Station. The entire family of six made their way to Mountain View, California where they established residency. After receiving orders to Vietnam, he was always comforted knowing his family was in a safe and wonderful community. After his time in Vietnam, he was stationed aboard the USS Mars where he made various deployments mostly to Japan and was appointed Chief Petty Officer. He then continued to serve the Navy while stationed at Alameda Naval Base, then Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco, all the while residing in Mountain View. He finally finished his Navy career of 20 years with an honorable discharge from Moffett Naval Air Station in 1977.