Benjamin Visintainer Jr.

Proudly born to Italian immigrant parents, Beniamino (Benny) Giuseppe Maria Visintainer of Cles, Italy, and Vita Micala (Margaret) Chimienti of Sannicandro di Bari, Italy, on August 6, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, he grew up in the Spokane Valley with his seven siblings, attending St. Paschal’s, Gonzaga Prep, and Gonzaga University.

His strong Catholic faith and deep belief in the value of education served as guiding lights throughout his life. The relationships he formed during his formative and educational years remained deeply meaningful to him. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Joan Marie Beaudry, at a Gonzaga University party in 1954. They married in 1956 and began a life together spanning over 69 years.

Blessed with grit, determination, wit, and a sharp mind—qualities shaped in no small part by his family and childhood experiences—he put himself through Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army after graduating from Gonzaga University before continuing his career in the grocery business for over four decades.

He was passionate about his home, gardening, cars, his faith and philosophy, and about business and economics—often sharing his knowledge and insights through his gift of gab and storytelling to connect with people from all walks of life: family, childhood friends, high school and college classmates, Army buddies, work colleagues, and even strangers on the street. All of this filled his soul and brought him great joy.

He was generous with his thoughts and equally generous with his heart and spirit, often helping those in need without any acknowledgment or fanfare. Ultimately, he believed his life’s true purpose was a life devoted to his wife and children. Everything he approached in life was through the lens of his faith, his love for, and complete dedication to his family. He was truly an example of a selfless man devoted to his family, friends, and faith.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; his six children: Jon (Karin), Anne Lemon, Stephen (Lisa), David, Beth Landdeck (Mike), and Ben; his nine grandchildren: Michael, Sean (Jen), Murielle Blanchard (Dominic), Rebecca Lemon, Archie, Sofia, Dario, Sydney Landdeck, and Sarah Landdeck; and his seven great-grandchildren: Leo, Aletheia, Nathalie, Thalassa, Eden, Bede, and Oswald Blanchard. He is also survived by his siblings Dolores, Jerry (Sylvia), Michael, and Sally; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benny and Margaret; his siblings Josie Kegley, John, and Ralph; three children—an infant son and his daughters Mary Margaret and Mary Catherine; and his infant great-grandson, John Baptiste Blanchard, all of whom he now joins in eternal, peaceful rest.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Spokane, Washington. Date and time will be announced once arrangements are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, to honor his memory and belief in the value of education, please consider a donation to the Gonzaga University Scholarship Fund (Zag Scholarship Fund). Gifts may be made at https://www.gonzaga.edu/giveonline .

“To speak the name of the dead makes them live again.” — Egyptian proverb

As Fr. Tony Lehmann would remind us all, “To be continued.”

We love you, Dad.