Bienvenido Estrella Estrella

Bienvenido Estrella, 84, of Biddeford, passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough.

He was born in Urdaneta City, Philippines on July 27, 1936, a son of Marcos and Juliana (Estrella) Genove.

As a young man, Ben enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. He moved to the United States while he was in the service, got married, became a US Citizen and took full advantage of the American dream. He went to night school to get his High School Diploma, worked hard and raised a family.

After his 20 year military career, he was employed by the United States Postal Service for 10 years and finished out his career for the Maine Turnpike Authority, retiring at the age of 75.

Big Ben, Lolo or Benny, as he was affectionately known, enjoyed his family and friends. Some of his special times were hanging with his Coast Guard "Coasties" at the mall, drinking coffee and talking about old times. He never missed a birthday party for his grandchildren, loved his cats and dogs and birds, and always had a smile on his face. His favorite pastimes were summer cookouts, barbecues and pig roasts. He will be sadly missed.

He was predeceased by his former wife Carol Ann Estrella on January 8, 2018.

He is survived by his three children, Walter Estrella and his wife Diane, David Estrella and his wife Cheryl and Diane Paul and her husband Dennis, as well as his former wife Claudia Cavanaugh. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Arianna, Dylan, Samuel, Alex, Dray, Willow and Hayes, one brother, Lino Genove and one sister, Linda Remollo, several nieces and nephews, and lastly Bridgett, his beloved Maine Coon Cat.

All are welcome to Benny's Graveside Service with Military Honors at 10AM Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Biddeford. To view Benny's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com

The family would also like to thank the staff and residents at the Maine Veteran's Home for all their love, care and support through the four years Benny lived at the VA. Benny was able to live his best life there, joking and laughing with new friends and family. The stories of his shenanigans will be fondly remembered by his children.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Benny's name to Maine Veterans' Homes, Activities Fund, 290 US Route 1, Scarborough, Maine 04074.