Benny P. Saltivan

1/7/1947 - 2/24/2021

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Obituary For Benny P. Saltivan

Benny P. Saltivan, Jr. born Jan. 7, 1947, passed away of natural causes on Wednesday, Feb. 24. 2021 at the age of 74. He was born in Camuy, Puerto Rico to parents, Benny and Aida, and was raised, along with his younger sister Eva, mostly in California but also in Puerto Rico, Maryland, Guam and Florida. After high school, he served in the Air Force in Vietnam where he would meet the love of his life, Mai.

Benny enjoyed sports, particularly baseball and football, as well as bowling. All who knew him became aware of his diverse musical tastes and of his enjoyment of all foods from all cultures, and just food in general! In fact, after Mai’s first home-cooked meal for him, he knew she was the one he wanted to marry. During his courtship of Mai, he repeatedly visited her at her workplace, and after seven different times of proposals, and as soon as she accepted, he took out a ring out from his pocket and immediately put it on her finger. They wed on May 25, 1970. After his military service, he returned to the States and started a family, having had three children: Raymond, Julie, and Christine Ann (Tina).

In his civilian life, Benny worked as an insurance claims adjuster, as a warehouseman with Fleming Foods, and as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service, all while having earned his BA from Cal State Hayward (now California State University, East Bay). He accomplished this while continuing to be husband and father and while serving as an Air Force Reservist for thirty-three years. Including his five years of active service, he served a total of thirty-eight years. As a reservist, Benny earned the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant and retired in 2013.

Preceded in death by parents, Benny, Sr. and Aida, brother, Billy Joe, and daughter Tina. He is survived by his wife, Mai; his son, Raymond; his daughter, Julie; his grandsons, Matthew and Michael; his sister, Eva; his brother-in-law, Tim; his niece, Alicia; and his nephew, Joshua.

On Wednesday March 3, 2021, visitation will be held at the Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Boulevard, Fremont, 94536. Public visitation will be from 5pm – 8pm, with a Vigil Service at 6:30pm. Please keep the below in mind with respect to Fremont Chapel of the Roses’ COVID-19 Protocol and visit the chapel’s website https://www.fremontchapeloftheroses.com/ for additional information.

“We are urging families to adhere to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines of limiting gatherings to 50 or fewer individuals.

To promote the safety and well-being of all of our customers, visitors, and funeral home personnel will be discouraged from handshaking and any unnecessary physical contact to minimize the potential transmission of germs and viruses until the pandemic conditions are under control.”

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:30am at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 5788 Thornton Ave, Newark, 94560. A limit of 100 attendees will be permitted onsite; others will need to remain safely in their vehicles. Please visit St. Edwards Catholic Church website http://www.stedwardcatholic.com/ for additional COVID-19 protocol information.

Following the service, the procession will escort Benny to his resting place with Military Honors at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 26320 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, 94544 12pm-12:15pm. A maximum number of 50 guests will be permitted onsite; others will need to remain in their vehicles. Specific questions regarding the site’s COVID-19 protocols can be addressed by calling 510-537-6600.

For visitation, church, and internment services, face masks are required, and for all services, the family encourages guests to dress comfortably and optionally in blue/navy blue.

Services

3 Mar

Visitation

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Fremont Chapel of the Roses 1940 Peralta Blvd Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »
3 Mar

Vigil Service

06:30 PM

Fremont Chapel of the Roses 1940 Peralta Blvd Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »
4 Mar

Funeral Service

10:30 AM

St. Edward Catholic Church 5788 Thornton Avenue Newark, CA 94560 Get Directions »
4 Mar

Burial

12:00 PM

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 26320 Mission Boulevard Hayward, CA 94544 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 10/01/2021

    1 file added to the tribute wall

  • 10/01/2021

    Benny proudly served in the United State Air Force. His position was First Sergeant and his rank was Chief Master Sergeant. Being a First Sergeant meant he was responsible for the health, welfare, morale and discipline of everyone in his squadron. This leadership position is only for those with the skills, devotion, and tenacity to ensure their people can complete the mission. Benny performed in this position longer than anyone I know. I believe he was so successful in this very difficult and stressful position because he really loved his people and his country. I know he was one of the few I used to help me become both a First Sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant. A Chief Master Sergeant is a very special rank. The number of people in this rank is determined by congressional law. Only one percent of all enlisted personnel can be in this rank, therefore it is very special and only the very best will be called "Chief". Benny will always be remembered as very special person indeed, but I had the privilege and honor to serve with him and saw him many times behind the scenes, or TDY and always after the smoke has cleared and when the job was done, that great big smile. I will miss you brother. Rest in Peace. Slow salute.

  • 10/01/2021

    There’s another angel up in heaven watching over us. :pray::skin-tone-3::pray::skin-tone-3::pray::skin-tone-3: Benny, you and Mai are family to us and the closest my boys had to a grandpa! They will never forget you! A big part of who they are today is because of you and Mai. So many great memories! We will dearly miss you. Rest In Peace :heart::pray::skin-tone-3:

  • 10/01/2021

    My dad had a sweet tooth. Here are some of pics of treats my mom made for him and shared with him.

  • 10/01/2021

    My dad loved my mom's cooking.

  • 10/01/2021

    We will miss you so much Uncle Benny. We will miss having you at the house for birthdays and holidays. We will miss you delivering Auntie Mai’s goodies. Our condolences to you Auntie Mai and family. Auntie we are here for you. We love you. Rest In Peace Uncle Benny.

  • 10/01/2021

    13 files added to the tribute wall

  • 10/01/2021

    1 file added to the tribute wall

  • 10/01/2021

    Mai Mai, We cannot even express how sad & sorry we are for the loss of Benny. We are in shock!! We wanted to tell you how much we all Love You & Benny! Our family & your family are one!! If you need anything, we are here for You!! Love you very much!! Heather, Hayley, Chris, Jeff, Brianna, Matt, Harlee, Mark, Jack & Collin XOXO :heart:

  • 10/01/2021

    Chief you've left lasting footprints in our hearts and we are forever greatful. We are never the same. You will always be missed, the best 1st Sergeant ever.

  • 10/01/2021

    Lit a candle in memory of Benny P. Saltivan

  • 10/01/2021

    RIP Benny :disappointed::disappointed::gift_heart::gift_heart:

  • 10/01/2021

    Raymond Saltivan is following this tribute.

  • 10/01/2021

    Wonderful First Sergeant! So many fond memories! It was great serving with him. Rest In Peace, dear Benny. Deepest condolences to his family. God’s Blessings to all of you :pray:

  • 10/01/2021

    Daddy:broken_heart: I still can’t believe I am seeing your smiling face on this page

  • 10/01/2021

    Deepest Sympathy and Prayers from the Fremont Irvington Post Office Family to Mai and your Family Benny. Thank you for being a great coworker and friend. You will be missed. Rest In Peace :pray::skin-tone-3:

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