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Benjamin Garcia Obituary
Benny Garcia was born in La Luz, New Mexico on July 31, 1933. He died peacefully at home from complications of Parkinson's Disease on Feb. 13, 2015, with his loving wife of 58 years, JoAnn, at his side.
In addition to JoAnn, he is mourned by his five children and their spouses: John (Carla), Mark (Janis), Jeanne (Michael), Lisa (Bob) and Stephen (Lise). He is also mourned by his 15 grandchildren, his nine great grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers Albert (Bessie), Tomas (Dora), and Paul (Lucy); his sisters Ernestina (Billy) Bassford, Bertha (Joe) Carabajal and Helen (Mickey) Melendez, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Juan R. and Pauline M. Garcia; brothers Solomon and Theodore, and sisters Agnes Gutierrez and Beatrice Granados.
Benny excelled at sports at Alamogordo High School. He was a member of the 1950 AHS State Championship football team. The team was coached by Rolla Buck, and some of his teammates included Byron Caton, Gus Najera, Bobby Lee, Sato Lee, Ignacio Cedillos and Bobby Fritz. Benny also excelled at track and field, where he set the New Mexico state record for javelin in 1951. Benny received a track scholarship to Arizona State University, where he continued to throw the javelin for four years. Thereafter, he became a member of the 1956 United States Olympic Team. He competed in Melbourne, Australia, where he placed eighth in javelin.
Benny served honorably in the U.S. Navy. He was an avid handball player and golfer.
We will honor our hero, our mentor and our beloved Tata by passing on his kindness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Child Society (www.christchildsocietyphoenix.org) or St. Vincent de Paul Society (www.stvincentdepaul.net).
A rosary will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m., with a viewing at 6 p.m., at Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, Ariz.
A celebration of life mass will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 7655 E. Main St., Scottsdale, Ariz., followed by his burial at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St., Phoenix.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Garcia
Dawn Youwer Rissi
March 16, 2015
I would like to express my condolences to the entire Garcia Family. Benny was a great guy and always had a smile on his face. His sense of humor and loving personality is what made many love him. May your fantastic memories of him help you through these difficult times.
Marie Coronado
March 4, 2015
Mis ms sentido psame para la familia del seor Garca, que encuentren consuelo al recordar que Dios siempre est cerca de ustedes y les dar la fuerza que necesitan durante estos momentos difciles. Isaas 41:10,13, Salmos 55:22
marbelis leyva
March 4, 2015
Mis condolensias para la familia Garsias sabemos que estan sufriendo por la perdida de su ser querido , pero tenemos un libro impirado por dios que dise revelacion21 :4 que dios quitara las enfermedad y la muerte no sera mas.
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Sam & Annie Swann
March 1, 2015
Jenny, I'm so sorry to hear of your father passing may he Rest In Peace, May God give you and your Family comfort in the days to come, God will hold you all in his loving arms always, Sam & Annie Porras, Swann.
Tracey
February 23, 2015
Find comfort in the God who is close to the brokenhearted.
FRANK TREJO
February 20, 2015
ADIOS CARNALE - FRANK TREJO
February 19, 2015
I the loss of My Big Ben. Prayers for you Joann and the Family. Love Mary Adeline Russell AKA Squeak. 444 Hill At Raton NM 87740 Cell 575 707 0317
February 19, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Denise Norman Silvert
February 18, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I have alot of memories growing up with Lisa. My prayers are with your family.
Jane Huntley
February 18, 2015
Our sympathies and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Anne Crawford
February 18, 2015
"The Monster" had a wonderful family and great life, so sad that you are now gone.
You will forever be missed by us all.
Angela Terrazas
February 18, 2015
Very sorry for your loss. may he rest in peace.
Angela (Rudy Terrazas' daughter)
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Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018
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