There will never be another BEN GOCO
Jan 5, 1981-August 18, 2021
Ben Goco was a unique man with one of the most gentle souls.
A devoted husband, loyal friend, loving doggy daddy, talented photographer, adventurous man, and a budding magician. From his native Philippines to New Jersey to Los Angeles, the proud Ilongo touched so many lives along the way including both humans and non-human.
On behalf of his friends, and at the request of his wife Maria, I’m Steve, and I'm here on GoFundMe to talk about a man we all cared for. I guess it’s fitting since he was so unique and down for whatever, he would be brave enough accompany me to a lot of my random news awarding and events. So he’s probably laughing at this right now.
From his refusal to wear sleeves (unless he was in Magic Castle), to his belly sticking out of his shirt, to a wide variety of hair styles, unique body art that included tattoos of his beloved bulldogs, I’m sure we’ve all noticed and loved him for his genuine self.
While he had the most open home and open heart, he was a man of intrigue, he would never tell us his birthday, he’ll just show up with a cake randomly and tell us his birthday was recent. (Jan 5, 1981 for the record) His last name was switched over night with a brief cryptic explanation, oh and he didn’t tell anyone he got married. We just saw on Maria’s friends’ Facebook. We actually did not expect anything less, and we were just glad that he got married to a good gal.
In recent years, Ben who worked in IT by day, had also begun enjoying the fruits of his labor. From finding the love of his life in the wonderful caring Maria, the happily married couple added to their loving family of pets, taught photography to friends, and used his talented eye for various causes, and eventually bought a new home.
As the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the couple managed to stay relatively safe. Fortunately when Maria tested positive during the early months of the pandemic, her symptoms were minor and Ben managed to go unscathed. Maria, a nursing student, was eventually able to get her vaccine, however due to a history of allergic reactions to vaccine, Ben was not able to get his shots. Unfortunately, with the spike in cases, Delta decided to take away our dear friend. Ben’s physical life abruptly came to an end on August 18 after a valiantly fighting for 3 weeks. As his spirit lives on, he is survived by Maria, his mother Ding, his cousins, and us: his circle of friends that consider each other as family. He didn’t have any siblings, and Maria and his mom are left to take care of so many issues, so I’m helping out with this GoFundMe.
For all the tabs he’s picked up, the pictures he’s snapped, the time he’s made us his Magic Castle guests, the lifesaving, DUI-avoiding drives, and most importantly the friendship and companionship he’s shown us, the least we can do is help our financially, and emotionally.
The funds here will go to Maria, whom after the dust settles, will have to take on so many other issues and expenses. She had been out of work, as she cared for Ben during his final days, so these moments are extremely difficult and carry an uncertain future.
While FEMA is expected to help with the memorial, Ben's departure leaves Maria with a Los Angeles mortgage which the couple emptied out their life savings for, car payments, and other bills living expenses. These are difficult times and issues for someone who's lost the family's main source of income. I’ve just learned Ben was truly the man of the house and handled all the finances and things of that nature. If anyone can help her navigate through this type of process, that would also be greatly appreciated. Anything helps and goes along way. Any excess money from this campaign would go to one of Ben’s favorite causes…bulldogs!
Maraming Salamat, and please please take care of each other during this pandemic that has cost so many lives.
I know I said a lot and I’m just one friend, please do share your fond memories and anecdotes of our fallen, but never forgotten Ben.
