A Celebration of life will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010 at the Antigua Event Center, 3200 Santa Fe St., Riverbank, for Manuel Martinez Berbena,73, of Ceres. He died Dec. 3, 2010 in Modesto.
Born Nov. 28,1937 in Porterville to Frank and Eva Berbena, Manuel graduated from Downey High School where he played football and baseball. He worked at CVC General Foods for 43 years. Known to have a strict work ethic, after he retired Manuel began a lawn care business to keep busy. Mr. Berbena was a member of E Clampus Vitus Chapter 58 and volunteered for Special Olympics. He enjoyed boating skiing pitching horseshoes and dancing. He was the unexpected tambourine man at weddings and parties.
He leaves behind his wife, Connie H. Berbena of Ceres; his children, Roger Berbena, Doug Berbena, Keri Rodgers, Kelley Berbena and Kristi Berbena Wood; four stepchildren; 22 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; and 6 brothers, also survive him. His parents preceded him in death.
Remembrances may be sent to Special Olympics, 1133 19th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036-3604.
-Ceres Courier/ December 8, 2010
Born Nov. 28,1937 in Porterville to Frank and Eva Berbena, Manuel graduated from Downey High School where he played football and baseball. He worked at CVC General Foods for 43 years. Known to have a strict work ethic, after he retired Manuel began a lawn care business to keep busy. Mr. Berbena was a member of E Clampus Vitus Chapter 58 and volunteered for Special Olympics. He enjoyed boating skiing pitching horseshoes and dancing. He was the unexpected tambourine man at weddings and parties.
He leaves behind his wife, Connie H. Berbena of Ceres; his children, Roger Berbena, Doug Berbena, Keri Rodgers, Kelley Berbena and Kristi Berbena Wood; four stepchildren; 22 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; and 6 brothers, also survive him. His parents preceded him in death.
Remembrances may be sent to Special Olympics, 1133 19th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036-3604.
-Ceres Courier/ December 8, 2010
