Benjamin Claud

Benjamin Oteda Claud (1941-2024)

Gone Fishing. Benjamin “Ben” Claud, age 82, of Gulf Breeze, FL, passed away peacefully with family and friends at his side on February 28, 2024. Ben was born in San Jose, Antique Philippines on August 14, 1941 to the late Elena Claud Balitucha and Alfredo Claud. He ventured his way to the United States in the early 70s where he would eventually meet his wife, Yolanda Claud, in New Jersey in 1975. It was in 1978 that Ben fell in love with the white sandy beaches of the gulf coast and laid his roots in Gulf Breeze.

Many knew Ben during his time as THE cook at the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier (Pre-Opal) where people raved about his burgers and fish sandwiches. Others knew him from the Fish Peddler where he was an expert at cleaning the fish and fileting you the right cut. But for the last 24 years, he was the man whistling behind the counter working at the Gulf Breeze Bait and Tackle. Ben’s specialty was cooking. His love was gardening, but his talent was fishing. Nothing brought him more peace than sitting on that surf, catching pompano. His legacy will forever live within the fishing community of all generations. Ben was also a proud Mason of 36 years to Pensacola Lodge #42. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

In addition to his parents, Ben is preceded in death by his stepfather Doming Balitucha; sisters, Elizabeth Claud, Myrna Claud; brother, Orlando Claud; son, Alfred L. Claud.

He is survived by his wife, Yolanda A. Claud; his brother Benedicto Claud; his daughters Kimberly Claud Haaren (William ‘JB’), Benjielyn & Family; his sons Jeremy Claud, Ruben & Family, Benjamin Jr. & Family; his grandchildren Ben and Hope; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in the U.S. and in the Philippines.

            Visitation will be from 10:00am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am, Thursday, March 14, 2024 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 100 Daniel Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL. Interment will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery with a Celebration of Life at Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm.