William Freddy Benavides

William Freddy "Bill" Benavides, 67, passed away on August 26, 2025 in Cuenca, Ecuador. After a two year battle with liver cancer, he was laid to rest on August 28, 2025, at Camposanto Parque de la Paz in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Born on November 28, 1957, in Manta, Ecuador, William moved to the United States during his youth and attended Joseph Pulitzer High School in Queens, New York. He later pursued vocational training and became a certified welder, a profession that defined much of his working life. Over the years, he applied his skills at several companies in Cleveland, including Minotti, Ohio Crankshaft, and Precision Welding. He retired from Precision Welding in 2020.

From 1973 to 1975, William served in the United States Army. His military service reflected his enduring values of dedication and discipline.

A man of faith, William was a devoted member of La Sagrada Familia Catholic Church for more than thirty years. His spiritual life was a source of strength and community throughout his life.

William had a deep appreciation for music and was an avid collector of vinyl records from the 1970s and 1980s. His home often echoed with classic tunes that brought warmth and nostalgia. He also loved to travel and explored destinations across the United States as well as internationally-including Ecuador, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Benavides (Espinoza-Loyola); his son David Benavides; step-daughter Camilla Ayala; step-son Esteban Espinoza Loyola; and his best friend Christina Hartman. He was preceded in death by his mother, Juana Joza Espinales.

William will be remembered as a friendly and fun-loving husband and friend who embraced life with joy and curiosity. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.