Obituary of Louis T. Benitez

Louis T. ”Louie” Benitez passed away peacefully on March 17, 2016, at the age of 85, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 7, 1930 to Puerto Rican immigrants, Louis Benitez and Palmira Rivas. Louie met and married his beloved Helen Alvarez Benitez and was happily married for 63 years. He was a hardworking man devoted to providing for his family. He was extremely proud of serving our country in the Korean War. Anyone who knew Louie knew he loved his wife, his family, and baseball. He was a diehard New York Yankees fan. Within moments of meeting Louie, anyone could tell he loved joking around and making people smile and laugh. He was preceded in death by his precious wife Helen and his parents Louis and Palmira Benitez. He is survived by his sister Edna Hoyt (and spouse Rodney) of Lewiston, Idaho, children Denise Fawcett (and spouse Elizabeth Carlin) of Austin, TX; Doreen Santa Maria (and spouse Tom) of Centereach, NY; Louis Benitez (and spouse Jime) of Missoula, MT; John Benitez (and spouse Jane) of North Wales, PA; Dina Benitez of Farmingville, NY; and Ralph Benitez of Tampa, FL; grandchildren Josh and Christine Fawcett of Austin, TX; Thomas and Nikita Santa Maria of Centereach, NY; Christopher Benitez of North Wales, PA; Christian and Corey Benitez of Farmingville, NY; and Zachary and Cole Benitez of Missoula, Montana.; great-grandchildren Jayla and Christian Fawcett of Houston, TX; and Julia Acosta of Houston, TX; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a large extended family. Louie is also survived by his very special friends Lina Bonilla and Fabi (Paco) Melo of Bogota, Colombia who cared for Louie in his final days with amazing love. Please gather with us to celebrate the life and legacy of Louie Benitez. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, from 7-9 pm at McManus-Lorey Funeral Home in Medford, NY. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 10 am at The Roman Catholic Church of the Resurrection followed by a military service at Calverton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Louie to The Roman Catholic Church of the Resurrection would be appreciated.