Friday March 27th 2020
Born in January 1929 near Manila, Philippines, Vivencio Ruiz Reyes was the sixth child and third son of Blas and Engracia Ruiz Reyes. He and his eight siblings Benedicto, Benito, Beatrice, Luciano, Benita, Melencio, Rosario, and Andres grew up during a turbulent time in the Philippines, but they worked together as a family to survive and eventually thrive. Vivencio displayed artistic ability from an early age, a talent that would influence everything he undertook in life. Licensed as a dentist in the Philippines, Vivencio (Ben) came to the United States in 1953 to enhance his skills by training in anesthesia. He crossed the Pacific in a slow-going freighter. He then caught a bus in San Francisco to Chester, Pennsylvania where he could be close to his sister, Lucy, who was studying medicine in New York. Later, while training in Philadelphia, Ben also took a few art courses. His medical studies eventually led him to Lutheran Hospital in Baltimore in 1956 where he met a lovely nursing student, Jeanne Troxell. They married in 1959 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania because their bi-racial marriage was illegal in the state of Maryland at the time. Ben and Jeanne had three children, David, Alita, and Carmen in Lancaster before returning to Baltimore. Ben eventually took the dental exam and graduated from the University of Maryland in 1971. Over time he would open two dental offices in the Baltimore area where he enjoyed caring for his patients for many, many years. Ben had many interests outside of his dental practice, including international travel, drawing, painting, gardening, cooking, furniture making, nature, and history. If you ever wanted to find Ben he was sure to be out in the garden planting something new. In the evenings he could be found reclining in his chair reading a history book or contemplating a new venture. Ben was a great tinkerer and enjoyed repairing things or creating art out of bits and pieces. When it came to entertaining, Ben was an excellent cook and every Christmas the family looked forward to his award-winning Filipino morcon. He was a stylish dresser and loved a good party and good music. Whenever Ben and Jeanne danced together they received many compliments. Besides being a dedicated husband and father, Ben was a loving Lolo (grandfather) to Abby Kite, Adam Kite, Josh and Rhianna Kegel Reyes. They share many warm memories of the funny things he would say and do. He adored his new great granddaughter, Ailani. There is so much more to say about Ben; these are just a few highlights. The family would love it if add your own memories and photos for us all to enjoy! Rest in peace, Dad, we love you and miss you forever! Read Less To plant a memorial tree in honor of Vivencio Ruiz Reyes, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Vivencio Ruiz Reyes Friday March 27th 2020.
Death notice for the town of: Ellicott City, state: Maryland