Christopher Benavides Obituary (2008) - The Palm Beach Post

Christopher Benavides

Family-Placed Obituary

CHRISTOPHER BENAVIDES Mr. 'B' Educator Christopher Benavides 47, of Boca Raton passed to the Lord on April 11, 2008. Christopher, known as 'Mr. B' to his students was an Educator for 18 years with the Palm Beach School District and 10 years as an Adjunct Professor at Lynn University, Boca Raton. Mr. B's passion for education brought him many accolades and awards during his career including the USA TODAY TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD, The Hispanic Educator of the Year and many Community Service awards for the vast community services his classes performed. He attended the University of Arizona, graduated from the University of Southern California, with a degree in Communications and in 1992 graduated with a Masters Degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University. He was inducted into Knapp Delta Pi, an International Honor Society ranking in the top ten of his class. He attended Cambridge University, Cambridge, England for one year on a scholarship studying International Law. His teaching career began at St. Jude School, Boca Raton teaching science and Spanish. He then taught in the Palm Beach County School District at Sandpiper Shores Elementary developing the Enrichment and Gifted classes. At Lynn University, he taught mathematics and science to education majors. After leaving the classroom he was a resource teacher in the Professional Development Department of the school district until his demise. He was a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; the National Association for Gifted Children of which he was a member of the Board for Exceptional and Gifted for Curriculum Development. Mr. Benavides was one of the very first to receive the Professional Achievement Certificate by the NAGC. Mr. Benavides taught English Language and Citizenship to migrant workers, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Delray in 1989, because of his ancestry this gave Mr. B of giving back. Christopher is survived by his partner of 21 years, Asa Hoff, Boca Raton and his mother, Nancy, brothers, Henry and Elvis, sisters, Dorothy Bixler and Sophia Fisher All of Ohio; and by his dearest friend Dr. Nancy Keller, Hypoluxo. Who helped him and his partner through these trying times. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, April 19 at 10:00AM at St. Lucy's Catholic Church A1A 3510 South Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach, FL 33487. The family requests memorial donations be made to the church, The Lymphoma Cancer Foundation, 115 Broadway 13th Floor, New York, NY 10006; or any charity of your choice. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in The Palm Beach Post on Apr. 15, 2008.

Memories & Condolences

Add a photo

Get email updates for this page

View Printed Guest Book

Posting Guidelines FAQ

34 entries

January 14, 2009

Dear Asa,

I was searching the internet to look for the two of you. Now I found out the terrible news that Christopher is no longer with us.

I hope you have found the strength to live a life without the wonderfull Christopher, I know he is in good hands with God and Betty.

I wish you al the strength and hope you found a way to keep up the good work that you and Christohper alway did for the community.

Love,
Diana

Diana Peereboom

May 21, 2008

Asa,My thoughts are with you in this difficult perioed.
Finding words is not easy now and can not describe the feelings, so forgive me for not writing much.

love

Marc Loos

May 13, 2008

I first met Christopher several years ago while we were both working on the Education Commission of NAGC. He was a very inspiring man with great depth of passion for gifted students. He brought intelligent thoughts and ideas to our work. He will be missed, his contributions are applauded and his family and friends will be in many prayers.

Kathy Jones

May 13, 2008

Asa, my thoughts are with you and Chris's extended family. Although Chris and I have had little contact these past years, my thoughts were often filled of our days growing up..our bus trip to Tempe, just being cousins. I wish we would of made more effort to stay in touch. I can see through the writings that he was able to succeed in his professional life and most important his personal life. He was very fortunate to have found you as I am sure you have already realized how special of a man he was...it is truly an honor to have such a person to touch our lives

marjie

May 12, 2008

Mr. B, Was very influential on my life, although its been thirteen years since I last opened the door to his classroom, I can still remember quoting Lincolon, revisiting the Aztecs and of course his pet dog. You will be missed, and forever in the hearts of many.

Eric Dennis

April 27, 2008

6 years ago, I had the great privilege of having Mr. B as my 5th grade teacher. Today I still look back on that year as my favorite. Myself and a small group of girls would be referred to as the teachers pets because we would crowd around his desk, to converse with him. He always knew the right thing to say, and had a way of making you feel like even the most insignificant event in your life was an enormous deal. I will never forget September 11th, 2001; we came back from our weekly art class, and against the wishes of our principal he turned on the news. He wanted us to remember that day, not shield us from the horror. He treated us like young adults, and thats what myself and my fellow classmates have become. I will never forget the way he treated everyone as equals and gave everyone the respect and honesty they deserved. He was an inspiration in my life, and I still have photos of him and myself in one of his signature colorful shirts, and one of the many pairs of shoes he owned in his eclectic collection. Mr.B you are an amazing soul and I will carry the lessons you taught me for the rest of my life, and try to touch others the way you touched us all. Rest in Peace
P.S. You promised to have lunch with the class at the cheesecake factory, it won't be the same without you.

Cheryl Kowal

April 26, 2008

My deepest condolences to Asa and all of Christopher's family. I am so saddened to hear of this. So often we think to ourselves, "Gee, I wonder how so-and-so is doing? Maybe I should give them a call." And then, of course, it's too late. We always think we have tomorrow but we never know. Asa, we are always here if you want to talk and remember. My daugher Charlotte has never forgotten the lessons she learned from "Mr. B" and the kindness that both you and he showed to her; those memories will stay with her all of her life. Thoughts and prayers, Dawne Richards and family.

Dawne Richards

April 25, 2008

I was so sad to hear from my dear friend, Tracey, that Christopher has passed. I will always remember his smile which could light up a room. I have such fond memories as a teenager visting Uncle Asa and Christopher in NY & FL. Christopher was a kind-hearted person and he will truly be missed.

Christine (Margeson) Steckel

April 22, 2008

I am deeply sadden to find out the loss of my beloved fifth grade teacher. I had Mr.B in 1997 and since then he has forever been that inspirational teacher for everyone. I use to visit him every year after I graduated elementary school and over time I had eventually stopped going, Now i regret not being able to see him one last time. Forever in my heart as my inspiration for success. Thank you for everything.

Ashleigh Kahn

April 21, 2008

My heart has been heavy since the passing of Christopher. He was an inspiration to me both in school and out, mostly as a good human being always doing the next right thing for others. His love for Knishe was genuine and I remember the days ASA, you would bring her to school sitting like a princess waiting in the car on her pillow for Christopher to come out. These simple joys made him so happy. Thank you for allowing me into your lives. God has blessed me with the gift of Christopher's presence.

Ivy Soffin

April 19, 2008

April 19, 2008
Asa,
My thoughts and prayers are with you this evening and in the days ahead. I feel your pain and just know that there are many who care and will be there for you. I am so glad that I was at the mass for Chris and got to share a few minutes of conversation with you. Christopher was a very special talented and compassionate man. God Bless! Your address and phone number would be appreciated if you are willing to share this information.

Cathy Grant

April 18, 2008

Asa, its not easy to think about good and happy times we had with Christopher when you are going through such a sad time, but maybe those happy and good moments will ease your heart. The only comfort we all have is the good memeories of many things Christopher said and did. And as long we have the memories, Christopher will always live in our hearts. He will be missed but always remembered. We love you.

Lucy & Sammy Carpenter

April 18, 2008

I was honored to know and work with Christopher at South Grade Elementary. He helped new teachers adjust to their new journeys in life. He loved our students and always sparked a bright moment in my day. The world is a better place because of Christopher. I will miss him and hope he is at peace.

Goldie Stopek

April 18, 2008

I send my condolescences to Mr. B's family and partner. I always admired Mr. B for his insightfullness in the classroom. He will be truly missed. May he rest in peace.

Rebecca Zucker

April 17, 2008

I only met Christopher a few times, but he made a strong impact on me nontheless. He was an exceptional person, with such a positive life force, it is hard to believe he is gone. My heart goes out to you, Asa..

Garland Meyer

April 17, 2008

Christopher was a kind and compassionate person. I will always remember his smile and the good times we had together with my Uncle Asa. We will miss him dearly.

Linda & Dennis Capanna

April 17, 2008

Mr. B was one of those teachers you look back on, talking to your children about your past and remembering every little detail about that one teacher that made such an impact on your life. He was my 5th grade teacher at Sandpiper Shores 6 years ago, and to this day I have such fond memories of him. He was more than a teacher, he had a gift. He had a way of teaching like no other, and was truly a genuine person. No one can or ever will replace him, and he is always going to be considered a golden legend for me.

My deepest sympathy goes out to his family, and partner. He will never be forgotten and his teachings will always remain apart of me as one of the most memorable people I knew growning up.

Thank you Mr. B, for coming into my world and making such a difference for so many people.

Rest In Peace

Alli Stabinsky

April 16, 2008

I will always remember Christopher as having a terrific sense of humor along with my Uncle Asa. There was never a time when we were together that they didn't make us laugh. I will fondly remember my visits to NY and FL as a teenager with my two wonderful uncles. We love you Uncle Asa and Christopher.

Tracey Harrison

April 16, 2008

Christopher will be terribly missed. He was such a kind and generous person. My deepest sympathy goes out to my Uncle Asa and Christopher's family. Christopher will remain in my heart forever and I will always be his Beastie.

Kristy Capanna

April 16, 2008

I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. B. He taught both my children in the enrichment class at Sandpiper Shores. Holly is now a freshman at UCF and Sean is a junior at West Boca High School. Both of them still say Mr. B. is the best teacher they ever had. He truly enriched their lives as well as mine. I worked with him as his room mom when my children were in his class. My prayers go out to Asa and his family. Mr. B will be missed by so many people.

Connie Rafferty

April 16, 2008

It was my good fortune to work with Mr. Benavides, as his principal, while he stretched minds at Sandpiper Shores Elementary. His standard of excellence will be remembered by many and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Andrea B. R. Peppers

Andrea Peppers

April 16, 2008

My heart has been so heavy with this sad news of the loss of Christopher Benavides. He truly "touched so many hearts" thoughout his life and during his years in education. He was admired, loved, and respected by students, staff, and parents throughout his aducational career. The special esteem that Christopher holds in my heart will always keep him close because he touched my life so warmly during our days shared as colleagues and friends at Sandpiper Shores Elementary. If we are lucky in this lifetime, we cross paths with individuals like Christopher and I am so very thankful to have been one of those blessed people. Deepest sympathy to Asa, Nancy and the family of Christopher Benavides.

Nancy Huffman

April 15, 2008

Uncle Christopher I have always looked up to you. I have admired your determination and success in education. I know you loved teaching with all your heart. Your heart was truly of a teacher. Christopher is one of the most unique and talented instructors I have known and proud to say that he was my uncle. Christopher you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Elvis Benavides Jr.

April 15, 2008

Mr. B is easily one of the most influential teachers that I've had. He taught us more than any text book can teach and was really a fun teacher at the same time. Its been 6 years since I had him as my 5th grade teacher but I still remember all the good times we had in that class. I remember trying to get the privilage of eating lunch with him, and him having us do a video on recycling, and him trying to get us all involved in K-Kids, and most of all I remember each and every day looking to see which pair of crazy shoes he had on that day.

April 15, 2008

Mr. B was one of the best teachers i have ever had. I had him in 5th grade at Sandpiper Shores Elementary and im now in 12th grade. He taught us so much and taught it so well. His teaching techniques were unique and worked. I wish i could have seen him again after all of these years. RIP Mr. B, it is impossible to forget a person like you.

With my deepest sympathies,

Michael Scalera

Michael Scalera

April 15, 2008

Even though I did not know Mr. B very well, he made a great impact on my life. He was a great teacher and he was very smart. He will be missed greatly. My preys go out to he and his family.

Rachael Autiello

April 15, 2008

Christopher was an amazing person who lit up a room when he entered. Cultured, sensitive, and unique are but a few words to describe the person he was. Indeed we are all better people for having known and loved him.

Lawrence Heiser

April 15, 2008

Mr. B. has enriched not only the lives of my three children (which he taught) but also mine and my husband's. I know in my heart he is still living in each and everyone who has been blessed to know him. God now needs him for a higher purpose which we know he will perform with honor. God bless and all my love.

Annie Kirkwood

April 15, 2008

Christopher was a wonderful and gifted teacher. I had the pleasure of attending a training session that he gave at the beginning of this school year. I will always remember and use the fantastic classroom "tricks" that he so masterfully taught me. I feel very lucky to have been trained by such an amazing and creative instructor. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his partner and the rest of his family.

Melissa Llorens

April 15, 2008

Our deepest sympathies go out to Asa and Family. Christopher was a special friend, his kindness and gentleness to others was always forefront. He will be sadly missed but his memory will live on in each and every one of us who knew him. God bless you Christopher and may God keep you close to him always.
Your beloved friends, Tony & Frank

Tony / Frank Cotroneo / Nunziato

April 15, 2008

What an incredible mark he leaves on all of us lucky enough to know and love him. So very smart, kind, and generous. Rest in peace, my friend. With love always, Lou Ann

Lou Ann Lefler

April 15, 2008

Mr. B was the one teacher you remember for the rest of your life. He molded and shaped and truly made a difference in everyone's life. He will be sadly missed and the world will not be a better place now that he is gone.

c Stabinsky

April 15, 2008

MY CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY.IN TIME LIKE THIS WE ALL NEED COMFORT AND GOD'S WORD THE BIBLE PROVIDED US WITH SUCH COMFORT. REV.21:3,4
Jeffrey Eugene (NC)

Jeffrey Eugene

April 15, 2008

It is with deep sadness that I sign this book in honor of Christopher. He had a kind heart and was an exceptional teacher, giving of himself and supporting others. He was generous to a fault and brought great joy to the ESP Team. He will be greatly missed and has left his footprint in the sand of many lives.

Cherrie Hires

Advice & Support

The Five Stages of Grief

Sympathy Advice

What Is a Eulogy?

Funeral Flower Etiquette

View All Advice & Support Articles