Ralph L. Benavidez Jr.

Ralph Lester Benavidez, Jr. passed away on December 14, 2025, after fighting a courageous battle against serious health issues. He was a kind, quiet man who valued God, country, and his family.
Ralph was born on December 31, 1951, in Los Angeles, CA and grew up in Reseda, CA. He attended Purdue University on a Naval ROTC scholarship, graduating with a degree in General Management. He was proud of his alma mater, always hoping for the big football win again. Later he furthered his education with a Master's Degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. He was also a published author, presenting a technical paper to the October 1993 American Society of Naval Engineers Fleet Maintenance Symposium at San Diego, CA.
At Purdue, Ralph met Harriet, his wife of 48 years. He knew right away that she was the one. And the chase was on! Five fun-filled years later, she said yes. They married in 1977.
Upon graduation from Purdue, Ralph served 17 years in the US Navy as a Naval Flight Officer. His duties included: Patrol Plane Tactical Coordinator with Patrol Squadron Twenty-Two at Barbers Point Hawaii; Training Officer at the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Millington, TN; Director of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations Center at Misawa, Japan; Department Head, Operations and Testing at the Naval Electronic Systems Engineering Activity at PAX River Maryland; and the Chief of Plans, Operations and Analysis at the Joint Tactical Command, Control & Communications Agency at Fort Monmouth NJ. Ralph was proud and honored to serve his country.
In 1991, LCDR Ralph L. Benavidez, Jr., was medically retired from the Navy, because of heart valve replacement surgery. He experienced continuing major medical issues, but never let his health status define him. After leaving the military, he worked for 16 years at Lockheed Martin in Moorestown, NJ as a Staff Engineering Planner, and then at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Philadelphia as a Veterans Service Representative, ultimately retiring in 2020.
Ralph received numerous awards throughout his military and civilian careers, but what brought him the most joy was his family. After ten years of marriage, his beloved daughter Ann was born, and 17 months later, another beautiful baby, Karen, arrived on the scene. He adored his daughters and later his three granddaughters. As Daddy and later, Pop Pop, "his girls" were his focus. He was known as the baby whisperer for his ability to soothe a crying or fussing baby. He loved taking his girls shopping to Costco, one of his favorite stores. Ralph also enjoyed cooking and gardening. His patio was filled with containers of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. He especially enjoyed tending his roses.
A quiet and reserved man, Ralph was known for his gentle kindness to others. He was the one to notice someone at the edge of a group or sitting by themselves, and he would ask to join them. He especially valued his church family at Memorial Presbyterian Church of Wenonah.
Most importantly, Ralph had a strong Christian faith. He deeply appreciated all the prayers he received from so many people throughout the years during his serious medical issues. These prayers sustained and strengthened him and his family.
A courageous warrior, Ralph was a fighter until the end. He will be sorely missed.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Harriet (nee Sharlow), the love of his life, and two daughters, Ann E. Benavidez, and Karen D. (Benavidez) Rodin and husband Vadim, and their three daughters: Scarlett, Elizabeth and Elaina. Also surviving is his 96-year-old mother, Mary Crouch Benavidez, and sisters Cindy Jones (Rick), Debra Lash (Will), Judy Benavidez-Delevie (predeceased by husband Dean), Mary Benavidez, and numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father, Ralph L. Benavidez, Sr., and his sisters, Leslie Hudnall and her husband Tommy, and Janet Marie Benavidez.
Family and friends are invited to join in honoring Ralph and celebrating his life on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Wenonah, 202 E. Mantua Avenue Wenonah, NJ 08090. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00am to 11:00 am with his funeral service beginning at 11:00am. Military Honors and Burial will follow at Haddonfield Baptist Cemetery, 402 Kings Hwy E. Haddonfield, NJ.
Ralph's family would be blessed by your presence.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph's honor may be made to Memorial Presbyterian Church of Wenonah, by mail: 202 E. Mantua Ave. Wenonah, NJ 08090, or online by clicking here.
Online condolences can be made at https://www.smithfhmantua.com/.