Benjamin Mendez Jr

Benjamin Mendez Jr., age 73, of Waiehu, Maui, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Ben was born on March 24, 1952, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Benjamin Mendez Sr. and Evelyn Lani Pila. He grew up in Waimanalo, Oahu, where he was raised by his father, Benjamin Mendez Sr., and his stepmother, Eleanor Kaholokula Holokai Mendez. From a young age, Ben showed a deep love for music and began his professional music career in Honolulu as a drummer, performing with the Young Fascinations band and Rodney Arias and the Young Paradise Serenaders, with his dad, Ben Sr. being their manager.

In 1971, Ben moved to Maui to build and raise his family while continuing his music career in Lahaina. He played with Watty Kaina and the Hawaiian Expressions, as well as The Rodney Arias Band, leaving a lasting impression through his talent and passion for music.

After his years as a professional musician, Ben began working at Tedeschi Vineyards in 1980. He apprenticed as a winemaker under Emil Tedeschi and later became the vineyard's winemaker, a role he held with pride and dedication until his retirement in 2005. After retirement from the winery, he relocated from Ulupalakua to Waiehu and worked at Paradise Beverage till 2010.

While Ben had stepped away from the entertainment industry, his love for music continued. In 1994, he began playing on the worship team at Upcountry Christian Fellowship, known today as Grace Church. He would play throughout the years in church, Kula Hospital, Hale Mahaolu, as well as special gigs with his sons and grandkids, Eugene Saffery Sr., and friends.

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Berna; daughter Benjanette Uilani Purdy (Byron); sons Benjamin Mendez III (Malia), Bodi Mendez (Maui), and Bryce Mendez; sister Aulani Shiu (Tom); stepsister Lamela "Honey Girl" Tamura; stepbrother Clarence Pua Holokai; and hanai brother Rodney Arias. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with several more on the way as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Mendez Sr. (Eleanor) and Evelyn Lani Pila; sister Harriett Lovell Mahiai; half-sisters Ipo Kon and Stephanie Mahilani Poepoe; and stepbrother Sheldon Holokai Sr.

The Mendez Ohana extends their heartfelt gratitude to Islands Hospice Maui for the compassionate care, comfort, and support provided to Ben and the family during this time.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Church, located at 262 Anuhea Place, Pukalani, Maui.