Benjamin Franklin Montoya
Benjamin Franklin Montoya
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Benjamin Montoya Obituary
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Jerry Rivero
January 26, 2022
Dear Family,
I met Admiral Montoya in 1988 in Sigonella, Sicily. I was deployed with the Navy Seabees NMCB SEVEN. I was the CO/XO yeoman. I remember my Commanding Officer giving me money to run to the Navy Exchange and purchase some cigars for the Admiral. I remember him eating breakfast with the enlisted men and he enjoyed hot sauce on his eggs. He was very sincere and cared about all the Seabees and sailors who served under his leadership. He was a good man. RIP
Natalie Nelson-Alexander
June 11, 2017
Dear Ginny and Family,
I've only just learned of Ben's passing. Ben and my Dad, Capt. Robert H. Nelson, CEC, USN, Ret. were trusted companions. Throughout my life on Guam and San Bruno, and Woodbridge, it seemed that Ben was always there, making my Dad's day a bit brighter. And even though Ben was 10 years younger than Dad (USNA '49), that never seemed to matter. I hope you see this note and know that my sisters and I will always hold dear our memories of Ben. May God bless you and your family. I know Ben was welcomed with open arms in Heaven by all his SEABEE buds.
With a world of fond memories,
Natalie Nelson-Alexander
Larry Litchfield
April 22, 2017
Dear Ginny:
My very, very belated and deepest condolences on the loss of your Benny.
I was Benny's first freshman roommate at Cal Poly in 1953...living in one of those old converted, wooden Army barracks. I am writing my memoirs and ran across Benny's passing in searching for some of my memories. I'm deeply saddened even tho I knew him such a short time. One never forgets his first college roommate!!!!!! (Especially someone so special as Benny...EVEN BACK THEN!) He talked about you constantly!
I remember his "very frequent" letter writing and phone calls to you from our dorm's phone booth during our year at Poly. (The small buildings were cramped, OLD wooden WW II military barracks...not too comfy, either!) We shared the first room as one entered the building. Rooms lined a long hallway and we all shared a cement-floored community bathroom/shower area. It definitely was NOT the Waldorf!!
Benny's Naval career is outstanding and I'm proud to have known him for that very short time. I grew up in Southern California and he in the Imperial Valley and we shared some of our childhood/family memories together. He was a 'very smart' student and I'm not a bit surprised that he enjoyed a magnificent military career in the Navy and later outside the military.
My warmest wishes to you and your large family. Benny, indeed, was a FINE man!!
-- Love, Larry (Excuse my jibbering...I dunno if this strange means of communicating reaches you. It should as I'm being very careful and following the instructions.)
- - - - - - -
P.S. Now at 81, I was diagnosed with Alzheimers a couple of years ago and live with my daughter and her husband in tiny El Cerrito, CA (the SF Bay Area). My symptoms FOR NOW are mild...hope they stay that way for a while.
I graduated in 1958 in journalism and spent my career in that field and public relations. I required an extra year in college due to catching a mild case of Polio my second year and scaring the campus to death that I'd spread the disease...which didn't happen!
Bill Garcia
January 26, 2017
To Ginny & Family,
I just learned of Ben's passing today from Art Hull a former co-worker at PNM. Please accept my deepest sympaties.
When I worked at PNM Ben selected me to be one of his aides. It was an experience of a life time including the traveling we did together. He was a perfect mentor. I regret not having kept in touch with Ben over the years and to have thanked him for the guidance he gave me and being an excellent role model. As his aide I could make mistakes that he would forgive me, but not if I forgot the Tabasco. I remember stuffing those little bottles in my pockets just to make sure he would not run out. Once, Ben decided we would leave the office in the middle of the day and go play golf, but I wasn't dressed to play so he insisted that I wear some of his pants and while the fit was not close at all and since he was the Admiral I complied. We had a great time and there are many other wonderful memories.
Ben, athough I did not get to see you over the years and did not get to say goodbye, I will be forever grateful having known you and I had the deepest respect for you. Thank you for being an important part of my life.
Bill Garcia
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Connie Markovich
February 5, 2016
Ginny, I was saddened to learn of Adm Montoya's passing. I remember you both very well and fondly from your years of association with USBA. Ben served as a member of our Board, and then as Chairman, from 1986-1993. His steady leadership was critical at a trying time in our company's history: our president M/Gen Bill Dietrich, USAF (Ret), passed away unexpectedly in '89, and Adm Montoya led the Board's search for a new president; Desert Shield/Desert Storm impacted our nation and our business; our underwriter MBL was taken over by the state of NJ in '91, and Adm Montoya led the Board's search for a new (and our still-thriving since 1993) partnership with underwriter NYL. Ben recognized the importance of keeping the Board intact an extra term for stability, connectivity. His sense of humor, keen intelligence, compassion for the people of the military and for our mission of supporting them, his personal strength of character and his love of people ... these memories of him have stayed with me all these many years. Peace to you, Ginny and to your children and many grandchildren... Connie Markovich & The USBA Family
EQCM (SCW) Jeffrey C Harrison
December 28, 2015
Admiral, your watch stands relieved, relieved by those you have trained, guided and lead. Admiral, you stand relieved sir, we now have the watch. Fair winds and following seas Admiral.
paul landry
December 23, 2015
my deepes condolences i belive i was the last to see him in public as he was my guess at our reunion in september he definet ly shine his light on many a wonderfull time to pass during advent and in the coming of the lord birth many will miss him
March 11, 2016
My wife andI are so sad to hear of Ben's passing. Our sincerest condolences to Ginny and the family. Ben was my first classsman at the Naval Academy and we kept in touch over the years. I viewed Ben as the closest you could be to a perfect human being. He had it all: intelligence, athleticism, grace, humility and success. In addition to being a great pitcher and captain of the Navy team, he was an excellent student. Being in the top ten percent academically, he had the right to wear a star on each lapel. He chose not do it. One day, I asked him why. He looked at me with that infectious smile and said, "You can't be cool and good in school."
Rest in peace,
Thomas and Sharon Mitchell
Henderson NV
February 8, 2016
So Sorry to hear of what has happened to Ben.
His dad and family used to visit in Downey CA
Very sid nd sorry for the family.
Victor Macias JR
520-568-0234
February 6, 2016
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts & prayers are with all
of the Montoya family.
Tom & Darlene Allchin
Doris Rhodes
January 10, 2016
Ginny and family, I got to know Ben when I worked as the Vice President of Community Relations at Norwest Bank. Ben was an amazing man and I will always remember how supportive and kind you both were to my father, Senator Virgil Rhodes when he ran for re-election to the NM Legislature in 1996. Ben always seemed to have a big smile on his face and he had a great laugh. I remember when he would come to the bank for the monthly board lunches and, no matter what we were having for lunch, he would pull out his little bottle of Tabasco sauce and sprinkle it on his food. I feel blessed to have known him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian and Kaye O'Connell
January 9, 2016
Our deepest condolences to Ginny and the family. There are so many stories and warm memories of this special man. He seemed to "do it all" with energy, grace and respect for all he came in contact with. We all have favorite stories. I remember meeting him first in Vietnam when we traded plywood and gravel for the Seabees. Then the time he met "Chief to Chief" with a tribal leader up in Washington state over land use for the Navy base. We enjoyed his visits to Port Hueneme when he was Chief and he managed to get a new Civil Engineer Corps school in the military construction budget. He likewise led the way on replacing the Seabee Museum at Port Hueneme.
Rest in Peace, dear friend.
January 8, 2016
My most sincere condolences to your family, Art. I never had the honor of meeting your brother but it is evident from those eloquent praises that he was a great man. My husband is retired from the military service, served n Korea and Vietnam and we DO know what it entails... Gina Caliri
January 4, 2016
I wish you moments of peace and comfort as you remember Ben and his extraordinary life.
-Jim (Hatton) Adams, Washington DC
Irene Villegas Gabriel
January 3, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Joanne Fine
January 3, 2016
I remember you with great affection and respect. I worked at United Way of Central New Mexico when you were on the Board of Directors. You were my introduction to the Albuquerque business community and you set a high but accessible bar. Thank you for all you did for ABQ. You will be missed, Sir.
Mary Elsa and Jim Hocker
January 2, 2016
Ginny: I remember when we were drags at Navy. You were a ball of energy with your pony tail swishing behind you as we ran to join our guys after formation. Ben was handsome, intelligent and full of fun. Yes, the "Fighting Fifth" was where we all belonged and now we all feel Ben's loss acutely.
I am very thankful for the times we have been able to spend together in New Mexico, Gulfport, California, Annapolis and at reunions for the Class of '58.
Ben was a grand and loving friend to Jim and extended that friendship to me as did you.
I am comforted by the thoughts Ben has gone on to a "new beginning" and will be organzing a receiving line of 5th Company guys to welcome us "aboard"!
Ben's Ginny "I love you guys" as we always said when we parted.
Mary Else Hocker
Ginny: For four wonderful years as a company and classmate of Ben my fondest memory of him was of a very happy man and I am certain you loving Ben was reflected in all he did and was. Ben is missed. May God be with you in your time of sorrow.
With great affection - J.D. "Jim" Hocker
patricia ortiz
January 1, 2016
my condolences to the family my cousin michael stroud worked with Ben and always spoke very highly of him and was surprised that I knew him and had gone to the same High School. Sincerely Patricia Marcil Ortiz
December 31, 2015
Two weeks before Ben's death, his San Diego Classmates & wives met and learned from VADM Pete Hekman Ben's hospice situation. We discussed at length many fond memories of our USNA '58 classmate, ranging from his recognition as a "Distinguished Graduate" to his golfing ability. He will be fondly remembered by many who started their stint in the Navy with Ben in June 1954.
Chuck Smith '58
Capt USN(Ret)
Bob Bell
December 29, 2015
We have all lost a true giant among men who touched many lives. May you rest in peace.
John Dallosta
December 29, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Montoya family. I have many fond memories of this distinguished and remarkable family.
Diana (Borroel) Atha
December 29, 2015
Ben was a man who was more interested in people than his title. He held very important positions but never made people feel inferior. He was approachable. He was very supportive of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during the time I was the President and CEO and we will always appreciate his support. May you rest in peace, Ben. People will look back at your life and say, "Ben was a great man and I will miss him".
Prentiss & Danielle Sprueill
December 29, 2015
Condolences to the Montoya family, and to Ben, thank you for your excellent service.
Marilynn Smith
December 29, 2015
My deepest condolences to Ginney and all Ben's family. All showed my son love and comfort when he was at USNA. There was no better mentor for him than Admiral Ben Montoya.
Rest in peace, dear man.
Alicia Bartley
December 28, 2015
My sincere condolences to your family. May God "who comforts us in all our trials" (2 Cor 1:4) comfort you and your family at such a difficult time. I know God will help you to endure because he cares for you ( 1Peter 5 :7).
Gilbert Guevara
December 28, 2015
As a Vietnam Veteran and with deepest regards to the family.
Mike Townes
December 28, 2015
RIP Admiral Montoya. Thank you for your service.
James McNeill
December 28, 2015
He always lived up to the NMCB3 motto of "Better Than Best". Fannie Lou joins me in expressing condolences to Ginny and the family.
Phil Weatherwax
December 28, 2015
My condolences go out to Ginney and the family. I served with Ben when he was a Lt. and our Operations Officer attached to NMCB-3 in Vietnam. Ben was one of the best officers, he treated everyone equal and looked out for his men. Ben will be missed. May he rest in piece.
Pam Messick Crabtree
December 28, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Montoya Family
at the loss of their loved one
Jose Gonzales
December 28, 2015
I served in San Diego with Admiral Ben Montoya in 1981. I was the Shop Supervisor of the Engine Overhaul Shop and he was the Commanding Officer of the Navy Public Works Center in San Diego. I met him several times during my tour there in San Diego. Because we were Mexican Americans we introduced each other because he was and Engineer and I was a diesel engineer. There were several occasions where we were at Naval Ceremonies and acknowledge each other. He was a down to earth gentleman, scholar, hero, and a great Naval Officer. May he have "Fair winds and following Seas." My prayer for Admiral Ben Montoya, a fellow shipmate.
Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
with the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storms will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push back the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
This we ask in the name of our Captain,
Who is Jesus Christ.
Barbara Glenski Wilmot
December 28, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Ginney and the family. I worked with Ben at NAVFACHQ when he was a LCDR in the late 60s. He was a very gentle Ben and the greatest Navy Officer I ever worked with. He treated everyone equally and respectfully whether you were a secretary, engineer, civilian or enlisted. He was the greatest. God Bless you Ben, and may you rest in peace.
Joseph P. Paoluccio AIA PE
December 28, 2015
Cheryl and I enjoyed a wonderful time with Ben at the 2015 SEABEE Gala. He gave the Key Note address and made the comment about wearing his uniform again. We loved him.
DM3 Joseph P. Paoluccio
Former NMCB 7 SEABEE
December 28, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Ginney and the family. I worked with Ben when he was a LCDR at NAVFACHQ back in the late 60s. He was a very gentle Ben and the kindest, most thoughtful Navy officer I ever worked with. He treated everyone with respect whether you were a secretary, a civilian or an enlisted person. God Bless you, Ben and may you rest in peace.
Barbara Glenski Wilmot
Carlsbad CA
Charles Wylie
December 28, 2015
A great officer to work for and with.
Charles E. Wylie
President (retired) C. E. Wylie Construction Co.
Chairman (retired) Associated General Contractors Navy Liaison
Rev. Bill McDonald
December 28, 2015
As a fellow Vietnam Veteran - I send my prayers to the family. Thank you for a lifetime of public service.
Kermit Cain
December 28, 2015
Served with your son, Ben years ago - you raised a fine son and excellent Naval Officer, he was very proud of you. May our Lord receive you with grace and open arms.
Dick Collins
December 27, 2015
I knew Ben as a great leader and my wife Betty and i both knew him as a true personal friend. We both mourn his passing and extend our deepest sympathy to Ginney and all the family.
December 27, 2015
B
Jim Doggett
December 27, 2015
A loss of a great friend and Bother. Will be greatly Missed by all
December 27, 2015
Sending my condolences to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. (Psalm 29:11)
Randy Gibbs
December 27, 2015
Thank You sir, for your dedicated service to your country via the United States Navy.
God bless your family during this trying time for them.
Fair winds and following seas!
Harold Schrage
December 27, 2015
Admiral Montoya was a great supporter and friend to the MCB3 veterans reunion association and all Seabee/CEC activities. We will never forget him.
Kenneth Knoll and Family
December 27, 2015
Ben may your journey home be a peaceful one and the angels singing you favorite Spanish songs.
Maria Rodriguez
December 25, 2015
My condolences to the family on the loss of Ben Montoya. I had the honor of meeting him at the retirement party of my former boss, Clarence Plaster where he was the guest speaker. He and Clarence were childhood friends and he had great stories on the two of them that he shared at the retirement party. He was a true gentleman.
BU1 JEFFREY R BRANTLEY USN/USNR (RET) AND FAMILY
December 24, 2015
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS
RADM BEN MONTOYA! THANK YOU FOR YOUR MANY YEARS OF SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO YOUR SEABEE BROTHERS AND SISTERS! THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOUR FAMILY, SEABEE BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND FRIENDS!
Eric Smith
December 24, 2015
Holly and I are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of RADM Montoya. We extend our condolences to Ginney and the entire Montoya family.
I had the honor of serving for Ben when he was Chief of Civil Engineers. He was a great leader and a true friend to Holly and me. We will forever be grateful for having Ben in our lives.
Eric Smith
Commander, Civil Engineer Corps
U.S. Navy (Retired)
Dick & Cindy Heine
December 24, 2015
To Ben's family. We have fond memories of RADM Ben Montoya while he was on active duty in the CEC. He will be missed by us all!
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