Severino "Benny" B. Benzon - Obituary

everino Batoon Benzon, known to his friends and family as “Benny” passed away on August 12, 2023, at the age of 85 surrounded by his loving wife and family. Benny was born January 8, 1938, in Manabo Abra, Philippines, the son of the late Longino Benzon and Agapita Batoon Alvarado, he was the eldest of eight siblings. Growing up, he was a dedicated student, athlete, and enjoyed singing and drama. After high school, he attended University of the East in Manila, majoring in accounting and business administration. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1960. Benny was a proud US Navy and Vietnam War veteran. In 1962, he met the love of his life, Mamerta “Maye” Padilla Silverio, and they got married on October 7, 1963, in Baltimore, MD. He was a proud father to five children and six grandchildren. After his service in the Navy, he became an insurance agent with Acacia Mutual Life Insurance Company and was a five-time member of their President’s Club. After a successful career, he retired and became a successful government contractor and local business owner. He was active in local politics and civic affairs, and was an elected member of the Prince George’s Democratic Central Committee (At Large). He proudly served as post commander for VFW post 983, 1978-79. He also was a founding member and former President of the Ilocano Society of America. Later in life, he was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time entertaining his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mamerta “Maye” Padilla Silverio”; his children: Joy Nodland (Borge), Caroline, Sally Flores (Rene Kieth), Severino Jr. “Jojo” (Kristen), Jeffrey Hilario; six grandchildren: Celaya and Carson Kirchner, Melody Flores, Mia, Daniel, and Carter Benzon; and siblings: Eduardo Benzon, Claudio Benzon, Pedro Alvarado, Juliana Alvarado, Domingo Alvarado, as well as countless nieces and nephews in both the United States and the Philippines. He is predeceased by his father Longino Benzon, his mother Agapita Batoon Alvarado, his brother Raymondo, and his sister Bernadita. The visitation will be held at Kalas Funeral Home: 6160 Oxon hill road Oxon Hill, MD 217045 on Thursday, August 24th, 2023, from 2:00-8:00 PM. A funeral mass will be offered at St. Columba Catholic Church: 7800 Livingston road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 on Friday, August 25th, 2023, at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at Maryland Veteran Cemetery Crownsville: 1122 Sunrise Beach road Crownsville, MD 21032 at 1:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life Repast, at Harmony Hall Arts Center from 2:00-4:00 PM.