Sylvester (Ben) Poorbaugh Jr.'s Obituary
With broken hearts, and the most immense sadness we have ever experienced we announce the passing of Sylvester Benjamin Poorbaugh, Jr. (Ben) on May 17, 2023, after a recent diagnosis of cancer. Ben was born on January 30, 1929, to Sylvester Sr. and Vernelle Poorbaugh in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
After serving in the Army, and driving trucks for 8 years, Ben joined the San Bernardino Police Department in April 1954, where he worked for 33 years, retiring in 1983 as a Detective working in Robbery and Homicide. While working at the Police Department his major accomplishments were designing, drafting, applying, and then receiving a Federal grant for drug abuse education for women. Ben also created, built the float, and ran the San Bernardino Police Christmas parade that went through the city of San Bernardino every year providing goodies and escorting Santa and Mrs. Claus to all the citizens for 15 plus years. It is now known as the “Ho Ho” Parade. Ben was heavily involved in the Peace Officers Research Association locally and nationally holding offices on the board and was a Past President of the San Bernardino Fire & Police Protective League. Ben taught Administration of Justice and Police Science at San Bernardino Valley College for 40 years, retiring in June of 2010. After retiring, He obtained his Travel Agent license and worked at Bon Vivant Travel Agency for many years.
He was a member of Elk’s Lodge No 836 and a 32nd degree Mason and member of Masonic Lodge No 178. An avid golfer Ben was a member of the men’s clubs at the San Bernardino Public Golf Course, El Rancho Country Club, and Palm Meadows until their closing.
Ben loved golfing; teaching his wife to golf before retiring, travelling, playing golf with his wife, weekly golf days and coffee with his buddies, camping, fishing, spending time with his daughters, sons-in-laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many dear friends, and doing Crossword puzzles.
Ben is preceded in death by his parents, brother Keith, and sister Sara Jane Porter. He is survived by the love of his life for 67 years Etta, daughter Kimberly (Jim)-Colorado and Kristina (fiancé Jim)-San Bernardino, brother Paul Andrew (Drew)-Lompoc, grandchildren, Ty (Texas), Crystal (Chico, CA), Ashlee (Colorado) and great grandchildren Sarah (Crystal), Vera and Dylan (Ashlee) and many nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be on Saturday June 10, 2023, from 10:30am-11:30am, with services to follow at 11:30am at Bobbitt’s Memorial Chapel, San Bernardino, CA. Immediately following the Service a Reception will be held on the patio at Bobbitt’s. Interment will be on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 10:30am at Montecito Memorial Park in Colton, CA, all are welcome to attend.
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