Obituaries

On Thursday April 13, 2023, our beloved Thelma Fernandez Galon Carbonell (aka “The Bull”) transitioned from this world to next at the age of 84.

Thelma was born on April 24, 1938 the youngest of nine siblings in Jordan, Guimaras Philippines to Marcelo and Delores Galon. Thelma left her home in the Guimaras islands at the young age of 16 to pursue her dream of going to America and becoming a singer.

Thelma met her husband-to-be, Bienvenido “Ben” Viernes Carbonell while singing at the CPO Club at the US Naval Base in Subic Bay, Philippines. After a long courtship they were married on May 21, 1962 and together they raised two sons, Ray and Ben Jr. and a daughter, Nancy.

As a Navy wife, Thelma lived with her husband and children wherever he was stationed - Subic Bay, Manila, Philippines; San Diego, California; Norfolk, Virginia; and Corpus Christi, Texas. After her husband retired from the Navy they lived in Hayward, California until the family finally settled in Newark, California.

Thelma loved music her entire life. She loved to sing and dance to her favorites Elvis Presley, Doris Day and The Platters. She also kept up with current hits and loved Adele, Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles and Rihanna.

Thelma was an attentive and loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker, and is sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Bienvenido and her eldest son, Ray. She is survived by her youngest son, Ben Jr. and his wife Ann Marie; her daughter, Nancy; grandchildren Nathan, Stevie and Alyssa and many adoring nephews and nieces.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd. in Fremont from 2-3pm, with a Chapel Service starting at 3pm and a reception immediately following. All who wish to pay their respects and support our family are welcome to attend.