IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Benjamin P.

Benjamin P. Santa Ana Profile Photo

Santa Ana

Jan 30, 1932 — Feb 19, 2025

Obituary

Dr. Benjamin Pasco Santa Ana, aged 93, peacefully passed away on February 19, 2025 in the loving comfort of his home with his wife and three children in Johns Island, South Carolina. Born in Marikina, Philippines, to Francisco and Miguela Sta. Ana, Ben was a devoted husband, father, and highly respected psychiatrist. His life was a testament to his deep love for his family, his passion for his work, and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Ben's journey began in the Philippines, where he earned his medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas in 1955. After graduating, he moved to the United States to complete his medical residency at Buffalo General Medical Center in 1957. It was during this time that he met Susan Margaret Jones, who would become the love of his life. On June 21, 1962, they married at St. Ambrose Church, Hamburg, NY, and together, they built a life grounded in love, devotion, and shared dreams. A gifted and compassionate psychiatrist, Ben was known not only for his deep expertise but also for his ability to connect with people on a personal level. His genuine kindness, empathy, and remarkable skill as a psychiatrist earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues, students, and most importantly, his patients. From 1965 to 1994, Ben served as the Director of Geriatrics at the Greater Binghamton Health Center and provided psychiatric care for patients in Cooperstown, New York and for the Amish in Pennsylvania. He retired from the Broome County Health Department in 1997, where he positively impacted countless lives. His daughter, Dr. Elizabeth Santa Ana, followed in his footsteps and continues his legacy today as an Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina and the Charleston VA Medical Center. Elizabeth often recalls how many of his former patients fondly spoke of Ben's kindness, sincerity, and exceptional care, describing him as a mentor and healer who made a lasting impact on their lives. Ben's sense of humor and storytelling ability were legendary, often captivating his family around the dinner table as he recalled fascinating events from the past with vivid detail. Ben had an unwavering love for his country, always speaking with pride about its values and history. His deep sense of patriotism was passed down to his oldest son, George, who served his country as an Army combat veteran with great honor. Ben was a man of diverse passions. He had a deep love for nature, often finding peace and inspiration in the outdoors. He enjoyed the beauty of his hi-fidelity stereo system, a reflection of his meticulous nature and appreciation for quality sound. Ben also took great pleasure in breeding African cichlids, cultivating a hobby that allowed him to create and nurture life in his home. His love for the ocean and marine life was another cherished part of his life. He shared this passion with his family through trips to Cape May, New Jersey, where he passed down his love for the sea to his children. Gardening was another of Ben's great joys. He spent countless hours cultivating his garden, a passion that has been passed down to his son, Jeffrey, who continues the family tradition of creating beauty through gardening and teaching the environmental humanities as an English professor at Stony Brook University. Ben had a deep passion for tennis and loved watching matches on TV. Every time a major tournament came around, he would settle in front of the screen, fully immersed in the game. His excitement was contagious—he would analyze every serve, rally, and strategy with the intensity of a true fan. Whether it was Wimbledon, the US Open, or any other grand slam, he always made time to cheer for his favorite players, and it became a special tradition his family shared, bonding over his love for the sport. Ben was a role model to his children. He instilled in them a strong work ethic and a sense of compassion, a testament to his love and devotion for his family. Ben is survived by his loving wife, Susan Santa Ana; his children, George Santa Ana, Dr. Jeffrey Santa Ana, and Dr. Elizabeth Santa Ana; his sisters Rosa Sta. Ana and Dr. Patrocinio Santa Ana; and his many nieces and nephews all of whom will carry his memory in their hearts forever. A Catholic Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 3871 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy on Johns Island, SC on March 21st, 2025 at 11 am EST and a committal ceremony at the Holy Cross Cemetery at 604 Fort Johnson Rd on James Island, followed by a celebration of Ben's life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to assist patients with psychiatric disorders at the Greater Binghamton Health Center, c/o the business office at 607-773-4013; or to the Parkinson's Foundation at 1-800-473-4636. Benjamin Pasco Santa Ana will be remembered not only for his outstanding contributions to psychiatry but for the love, joy, and compassion he brought into the lives of all who knew him. His legacy of dedication to family, patients, and community will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love and devotion he so freely gave throughout his remarkable life.

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Funeral Services

Funeral Service

March
21

Friday

Starts at 11:00 am

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