Gilbert Benavides

Gilbert Benavides, age 88, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on March 8, 2018 and will be reunited with his beloved wife Virginia.  He was born May 15, 1929 in the Barelas neighborhood, (Abq., NM) to Dimas and Guadalupe (Velasquez) Benavides.   At the age of 15, he hitchhiked to Oakland, CA where he learned to dance mambos to the sounds of Perez Prado at the Sweets Ballroom.  Gilbert proudly served in the 40th Infantry Division in the US Army during the Korean War.  After his return, he married the love of his life, Virginia St. John in 1954 and was married for almost 52 years.  He worked and retired from the Water Dept. City of Abq.  He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, compadre and friend.  He had great spiritual faith and believed in the Virgin de Guadalupe.  He loved dancing, joking, and being with family.  You could often find him at the casino testing his latest strategy for winning at the slot machines.  He claimed that the casino put extra oxygen in the air.  He enjoyed working in the garden and walking around the house painting various items with paint purchased at yard sales.  He kept busy building birdhouses and churches out of scrap wood and gave those items to friends and relatives.  Gilbert, you will be remembered for your unconditional love of family and friends, your jokes, your woodwork, your dancing and your zest for life.  You lived a good life.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the care provided by the VA Medical Center, Hospice of NM and Louise Rodriguez, HHA.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia; his parents, Dimas and Guadalupe; his brothers and sisters, Erminio, Sele, Sonny, Raymond, Abe, Mela, Grace, Merlie, Aurora, and Josie.  He is survived by his children, Gilbert “Larry” Benavides and wife Linda, Benjamin Benavides and wife Penny, and Regina Gutierrez and companion, Joe.  He has nine grandchildren, Nicolas, Elena, Alysse, Danielle, Marcia, Lawnie, Benjamin, Martin, Selena; and 6 great grandchildren, Isabella, D’Anna, Kiely, Aubrey, Aaliyah, and Sydney.  Also surviving are his sisters, Nati Jimenez, Martha Jaramillo and Jessie Minero; and brother, Jimmy Benavides.

A Rosary will be recited Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church on 4th St and Alameda Blvd.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 19, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. also at the Church.  The Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Casket Bearers will be Nicolas Benavides, Kyle Houliston, Tim Sanders, TJ Benavidez, Benjamin Benavides, and Martin Gutierrez.  Honorary Bearers will be Jimmy Benavides, Nati Jimenez, Jessie Minero, Martha Jaramillo, and Cole Sweetser.

Please visit Gilbert’s online guest book at www.danielsfuneral.com