BEN SAM CAIRO

CAIRO, BEN SAM July 22, 1928 to january 2, 2012 At 83, Ben Sam Cairo fought a courageous fight for 10 years and lost his battle last Monday. Ben's wife, Suzanne of 57 years of marriage, was lovingly at his bedside when he passed as were his three sons, Ben Jr., William (Paige), and Robert (Cara), and his daughter, Rebecca, as well as his grandchildren, Nicholas, Chris, Anthony, Angelina, Jasper, and Julian, and grand-daughters Julianna and Janessa. Ben was born and brought up in Chicago, Illinois from a large, loving, Italian family. Ben was educated in construction and engineering and came to California in 1952. He went to work at Soule Steel Company as a young draftsman and there met and married Suzanne in 1954. They transferred to San Diego for work in 1957, where their four children were born and raised. Ben was active in the Knights of Columbus Council #4958 San Diego. In 1960 - 1964 he served as Grand Knight. Ben's Catholic faith was always a main force in his life. Ben's California family, which he always felt close to, were his sisters-in-law Joanne Weber, Linda Grande, and Stephanie Jones and brothers-in-law, Warner Weber, Lou Grande, and Rick Jones, and many loving nieces and nephews whom he was always happy to party with. Ben was an avid horse owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and raced many in California. A daily fan and attendee at Del Mar Race Track each day of racing in Section Two with many friends of his and also fans of racing that was the "joy of his life!" He was the owner of 16 thoroughbred race horses at one time and later retired his stable - "CairoStables." Ben Cairo was a general contractor for 50 years and owned his own construction company with business partner Bob Hammann. Everyone agreed that Ben was a fair and good friend to many in and out of the business. May God Bless Ben. Services were January 7th at St. James Catholic Church.