Philippe Gee Berania

Philippe Gee Berania, 74, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away in his home on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Philippe was born January 26, 1946, in Bulan Sorsogon, Philippines to Timoteo and Tranquelina Giga Berania. He graduated with an associate's degree from the Philippines and then joined the Navy. He retired as a Senior Chief including eight years as President Ronald Reagan’s personal chef. He was married to Grace M. Berania (deceased) for 48 years in Providence, RI on April 6, 1972. They lived and moved together in many states including Washington DC and finally retiring in 1988 here in Florida. In time, he became known as “Mr. B” and by his grandchildren as “Papaw.”

Mr. B called America his “adopted country” when he joined the Navy in 1964. During his time in the Navy, he was attached to the White House Secret Service detail as President Reagan’s chef and food taster for eight years. He finished his final Naval career at the Pine Castle Bombing range in Florida as a highly decorated veteran. After retirement, he worked several civilian jobs including several years with Miller Electric Company.

Papaw loved cooking, gardening, spending time with his amazing Grace, working on house projects, and especially his 1965 Ford Mustang.

He is survived by his sisters Soccoro and Adela Berania (Philippines); sons, Philippe G. Berania Jr and Bernie J. Berania (Jacksonville FL); and his five grandchildren, Kristin, Brandon, Cohen, Devon, and Ellisa Berania (Jacksonville FL).

The viewing service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, September 28, 2020, at the Broadus Raines Funeral Home at 501 Spring Street Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, and is limited to a small capacity.

The military funeral service is limited due to current restrictions and will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with full honors for a date to be determined. If permitted, the ceremony will be streamed/recorded.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for online condolences on Mr. B’s Facebook page or here at www.broadusraines.com