Benjamin T. Gerolaga

Benjamin (Benny) T. Gerolaga passed away on November 25, 2020.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020 at the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn in Stillwater, OK. Interment will follow at Parkland Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Benny was born on March 14, 1945 to Lydia & George Gerolaga in San Fransico, Ca. He grew up and attended school in Stockton, Ca.. In the early 1960’s he began training as a boxer. During his boxing career he won many awards, trophies and belts, including the Diamond Belt. He also was named Athlete of the year and won the Golden Gloves State Championship 5 years in a row and took two National AAU Titles, one in New York and one in San Diego. In 1965 Benny married his sweetheart of 5 years, Clorita Ann Gerolaga and to this union were born Tamra Lynette in 1968, Stacie Ann in 1975 and Benjamin II in 1987. After Benny retired from boxing he began working in 1970 at the Defense Distribution Depot in Tracy, Ca as a warehouse man. He also played coed softball and umpired. In 1982 he moved his family to Salida Ca. where he resided until all his children were grown. He was also baptized into The General Assembly Church of the Firstborn and assembled in Modesto, Ca. After working 35 years at the depot, Benny retired in 2005. Then in January of 2006, Benny and his wife relocated and moved to Ripley, Ok.

Benny loved to watch old westerns, talk about his boxing years, play poker and loved fi shing. He liked having bbq’s, spending time with family & friends and loved having game nights. He was sweet and caring but was also very ornery and loved to joke around.

Benny is survived by his children: Tamra, Stacie & husband David, Benjamin II & wife Jennifer; his fi ve grandchildren: Michael, Shaylea, Leland, Axton and Aryana. He is also survived by his 4 brothers: Ray, Tony, Johnny and Danny Gerolaga; 1 sister: Carmen Quilantang; and numerous extended family and friends.

Benny is proceeded in death by his loving wife of 54 years: Clorita; his parents: Lydia & George Gerolaga; 1 sister: Mary Rodriguez; and 2 Brothers: Joe and Vincent Gerolaga.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.palmermarlerfh.com.