Benavidez, Tom R.

Senator and The Most Excellent Sir Tom R. Benavidez a lifelong resident of the south valley in Albuquerque, NM, passed away on April 16, 2016. He attended and graduated from Albuquerque High and went on to University of Albuquerque formerly known as St. Joseph's on the Rio Grande. Tom was a justice of the peace at the age of 20 in 1959-1960. He served as New Mexico State Senator from 1966-1970 and again from 1984-1996. Tom was the first Honorary Counsel of Spain in 1997. He was a member of the Holy Knights of the Sepulcher and Knights of Columbus (4th degree). Tom was knighted into the order of the King Alfonso X by King Juan Carlos of Spain in 1993 where he bestowed the name The Most Excellent Sir Tom R. Benavidez. He was in the Who's Who American Universities and Colleges through 1961-1962, Who's Who in the west 1969 and the Hispanic Who's Who in the U.S. in 1983. Tom was an amazing husband, father, and grandpa. Tom was interested in mining, prospecting and genealogy. He traced back the Benavidez family history to 1125. He liked to collect trees and plants from all over the country and abroad.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Neph P. Benavidez; wife, Kathleen; sons, David R. and Michael M. Benavidez; grandchildren baby Tomas R. and Hope Benavidez; and one brother Ruben Benavidez.

He is survived by his sons Tomas R. Benavidez (Melissa), Michael R. Benavidez; granddaughters Danielle Sifuentes (Juan), Vickie, Justeen, Alex Marissa, Megan, Zaylee Benavidez, Evan Ludi; great grandsons, Michael-Rey and Lawerence Benavidez; great granddaughters Blue and Journey Sifuentes; and many other beloved brothers, sisters and friends.

A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Edwin's, 2105 Barcelona Rd. SW. Interment to follow at Polvadera Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Anthony Benavidez, Shane Lukesh, Richard Mirable, Albert Benavidez, Paul Anthony Chavez, Juan Sifuentes and Benjie Gonzales.

To view information or leave a condolence, please visit

www.danielsfuneral.com

Garcia Mortuary

717 Stover Ave. SW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

505-243-5222

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albuquerque Journal from Apr. 19 to Apr. 20, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom Benavidez

Sponsored by Daniels Family Funeral Services - Garcia Mortuary.

6 Entries

Michael Benavidez

April 15, 2024

You were the best father a son could have, till i see you again dad.

Michael Benavidez

July 7, 2021

Miss you Dad! you were the best father a son could have!

Andrew Marin

June 30, 2019

Dear Tom. We met each other in 1998. I was graduating from NMTech and my passport was expired. You helped me to renew it.
I had the chance to talk with you about several issues. I will never forget all advices you gave me.
Thank you for everything you did for me. Always in my heart.

Alice -

April 24, 2016

Tommy,
I only now heard of the loss of your father, your mom and so many others.
I know such things are so very difficult to endure...I know because I have also lost both of my parents and most of my family as well.
I wish I had magical words to make things easier for you...but I don't. I am hoping you have the support and comfort of loved ones to help you though this.
I am not sure you remember me or not , we were next door neighbors as kids(tri-level house to the east).

Alice(Webber)
Call if you wish...if not,I understand.
259-2072

April 22, 2016

Tom was a true and committed public servant, an avid New Mexico Historian and genealogist. He could keep you entertained with his deep knowledge on numerous subjects. He will,be greatly missed.

Chris & Jeanette Baca

Joe A Montoya Sr and Jr

April 20, 2016

We will always remember Tom as a good friend and neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom's family.
From the Joe A Montoya family.

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