Guido Andres "Don Guido" Benitez

Guido Andres Benitez, 89, of Lincoln, California, passed away on August 6, 2025, at Sutter Roseville, surrounded by family and loved ones.

"Don Guido," as many knew him, was born on October 17, 1935, in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, to Francisco Benitez and Amanda Guevara. He was one of two children the couple had. Guido survived a revolution and communism in Cuba, eventually gaining the opportunity to come to the United States in 1971, where his journey for a better life began.

He held numerous jobs to make ends meet, living in Miami, FL, and Los Angeles, CA, before settling in Sacramento, CA, where he became a restaurant owner and business entrepreneur. He owned various Jimboy's Tacos locations and, most notably, Salsa Tacos in West Sacramento. He retired at 81 from Salsa Tacos after 27 years and spent his retired life in Lincoln caring for his family home and helping his wife with their business, El Mariachi Taqueria in Rocklin, CA, which they have owned for 18 years.

Over his 54 years in America, Guido pursued various business ventures, including construction and remodeling of homes in the Sacramento and Bay Area, a trucking company, car sales, and more.
Guido leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Lupe. Together, they raised two children, two grandchildren, and one "grand fur daughter." Guido was previously married twice and had three children, three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Guido was the kind of man who lit up a room with his sense of humor, personality, and signature sayings. He was often remembered for phrases such as, "Cuídate, que de los buenos quedamos pocos," "Que se repita," "Come pan, que el pan es barato," and "Vámonos, que aquí ya no van a dar nada." Wherever he went, he made friends - whether with family, restaurant customers, Starbucks baristas, random strangers he would strike up a conversation with, or employees he had along the way. Guido was well-loved.

A hard worker to the end, Guido remained strong and active even in retirement. He was always running late and had a long list of chores to complete. He lived to care for his home and his wife. His favorite hobbies included counting money and managing his bank accounts, driving long distances to explore, drinking coffee at all hours of the day, fixing things, and, more recently, playing with his youngest grandchildren and his "grand fur baby."

Guido is survived by his wife, Lupe; his children Frank, Evett, Amanda, and Guido Jr.; and his grandchildren Alberto, Kyla, Cheyann, Bowen, and Chanel. He is now reunited with his parents, Francisco and Amanda; his sister, Gladys; his daughter, Marthica; and his "grand fur baby," Kyra.

Guido's life and legacy will be celebrated at Calvary Cemetery and Funeral Center, 7100 Verner Ave., Citrus Heights, CA 95621, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Spanish Rosary at 6:30 p.m., and Thursday, August 28, 2025, with viewing at 1:00 p.m. and Spanish Mass at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow at Guido's family home in Lincoln with food, his favorite music, and plenty of stories.