Florencio L. Alonzo, Jr.

Florencio “Benny” Langit Alonzo, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, in Garden Grove, California, at the age of 86.

Benny was born and raised in Laoac, Pangasinan in the Philippines, the beloved son of Eduvijes Langit Alonzo and Florencio Alonso, Sr. He was raised by his devoted mother and spent his childhood surrounded by a lively crew of cousins, who filled his early years with joy, mischief, and companionship. One day before his tenth birthday, he was blessed with a younger brother, Lindbergh Langit Alonzo—a relationship he cherished throughout his life.

In his youth, Benny was known in his community for coordinating games and performances during New Year’s celebrations in Laoac. He biked daily from his barrio to attend high school, graduating from Binalonan High School. After high school, he moved to Manila and began medical school at Far Eastern University. While life would eventually steer him toward a different path, he earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the same university.

Following the death of his mother in 1967, Benny moved to Kauai, Hawaii, to live with his father. On September 6, 1967, he brought his younger brother Lindbergh with him to begin a new chapter of their lives. Florencio Sr. lived next door to his best friend, whose daughter, Mary Jane Cardenas, would soon catch Benny’s attention.

Benny became a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) through Kauai Community College. It was during this time that his bond with Mary Jane deepened, leading to the beginning of their lifelong partnership.

In 1968, Benny served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Kearsarge as a fireman apprentice. He was honorably discharged after completing his service.

Benny’s father re-married Concepcion Langit in 1969 and welcomed a new brother—Harry Langit Alonso in June of 1970. His sister, Donna Langit Alonso, came soon after in June 1972.

On October 23, 1971, Benny married Mary Jane Cardenas. In 1972, they welcomed their first child, Eddie Alonzo, and moved to California a year later to join Benny’s brother. The next year, in 1974, Rema Ann was born. At this point, Benny worked hard to convince Jane into having one more child, completing their family with their daughter Yvette eight years later in 1982.

Benny had a passion for life and a gift for bringing joy to others. He loved bowling, cross-country road trips, basketball, karaoke, and boxing. He often delighted friends and family with his singing and spirited performances. A jokester at heart, he thrived in the company of others, easily filling any room with his iconic laughter and warmth. His home was always open and available to anyone who needed it. As a devoted member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), he lived with faith, humility, and a deep love for his family and community.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Jane; his children Eddie, Rema Ann, and Yvette; his daughter-in-law Charisma; his sons-in-law Lu and Nick; his grandchildren Sterling and Nicolette; his siblings Lindbergh, Harry, and Donna; and many beloved cousins, extended family, and close friends.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn in Cypress, California. Funeral and burial services will follow on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the same location. A celebration of life will take place shortly after the services at the Ehlers Event Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Benny’s memory will go toward his celebration of life. Please speak with his daughter, Yvette, for more details.

Benny often quoted, 

“How dull it is to pause, to make an end, To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!” 

Indeed, he shone brightly in every season of his life—and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.