Benzon Munoz Dy

Dr. Benzon M. Dy passed unexpectedly on January 24 in Rochester, MN. A very private person, he kept his many achievements and successes to himself, but he lived a life of note to those who knew him.

Ben excelled as a surgeon, teacher, and researcher. He trained at Mayo Clinic as a surgical resident, receiving multiple teaching and research awards. After a prestigious year-long fellowship in endocrine surgery and oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering, he returned to Mayo in 2017. Through his dedication, he rose to the academic rank of Professor and the Fellowship Director of the Comprehensive Endocrine Surgery Program.

While he was an accomplished surgeon, more than anything Ben was a teacher. He took great pride in training residents and fellows, and his rotations were ones people genuinely looked forward to. His operating room was calm and respectful, a place where trainees could think, operate, and learn comfortably. He led with humility, humor, and kindness. His professional legacy endures in the countless lives still being lived because of the care, skill, and compassion he brought to his work and the knowledge that he shared.

Ben also led a rich life outside of his work and career. At the end of a long day, and after taking his beloved nap, he would frequently venture out for dinner or drinks with friends. Never one to pass up a good deal, he always had the best happy hour specials researched or a great coupon at the ready.

Ben loved to travel and see the world. Every summer, Ben would join his mom, aunts, and uncles on a trip to Europe, lately on a river boat cruise. He shared his love for Paris on trips with his family and partner. His travel selfies, shared widely, always featured a famous landmark in the background and Ben smiling in the foreground, making a peace sign.

His life was heavily influenced by the experiences that led him to his position at Mayo. He grew up in a loving immigrant family with a humble upbringing in Jersey City, New Jersey, to achievements that put him at the top of his medical specialty. While he liked good food and nice things, he always remained down to earth and loved the simple joys of his 100-strong graphic t-shirt collection, his flower garden, or enjoying the warmth of his fireplace, a cozy blanket, and a book or a scroll through Instagram.

Everyone that knew and loved Ben has a story to share about his wry sense of humor and his thoughtfulness. The family encourages friends and colleagues to share their memories of Ben in the Guestbook section below.

Ben was born on April 28, 1982, in Manila, Philippines. He was a loving son to his mother, Grace Dy, a caring sibling to Constantine Dy and Katrina Dy, an affectionate nephew to Maria Munoz, and a devoted partner to Christopher Goeken.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, Rochester, Minnesota, on February 8, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A memorial service and interment will be held in April in New Jersey, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in memory of Benzon Dy to Mayo Clinic for the Surgery and Endocrine Surgery training programs. Donations can be made online or by calling 855-852-8129.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Dy family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com