Benedicto L. Velazquez

He is survived by his loving wife, Estela, and his daughters, Liza Velazquez (Tim Milford) and Brenda Velazquez (Ken Spillberg). He was a beloved Grandpa to Graham and Stellan Milford and to August and Cole Spillberg, who brought him great joy and pride.

Benedicto is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Richard and Edward Talvy, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Benedicto was born on December 28, 1945 in the Philippines. His parents were attorneys and he was one of five siblings. He was a brilliant and adventurous boy, who loved to read and play pranks. He received a Jesuit education in Manila schools and earned a university degree in chemical engineering in Manila.

At the age of 22, he emigrated to the United States, arriving in New York City. He was a young man far from home, but he had confidence that he would make a new life for himself. Benedicto famously celebrated his first Thanksgiving in America playing billiards in a pool hall, but soon found friendship amongst a community of young Filipino immigrants.

In 1968, he met the love of his life and his wife of more than 56 years, Estela. They were married on July 6, 1969 in Jamaica, Queens, surrounded by family and friends. Benedicto and Estela had two daughters, Liza and Brenda, and raised their family in North Babylon. Their home was filled with love and laughter--their favorite albums playing on the stereo and Filipino food cooking in the kitchen. For fifty years, Benedicto and Estela happily welcomed family and friends to their home.

Benedicto was an accomplished and incredibly versatile chemical engineer, who traveled all over the country and the world for his work in a wide variety of industries, from power plants to oil and gas refineries and steel mills to restaurants. He was proud of being able to handle complex projects, but he was most proud that his profession enabled him to provide for his family, whom he loved more than anything.

Benedicto had a passion for life and enjoyed spending time driving around Long Island with his favorite music on the radio, grilling on the barbecue, swimming and the occasional game of pickup basketball. He was a devoted and loyal sports fan; he rooted for the Knicks, Jets and the Mets for decades, through good seasons and bad. He spent weekends caring for the family cars, working on household projects in his garage, and making sure the backyard pool was ready for his daughters, and in later years, his grandsons, to enjoy.

After his retirement, Ben and Estela enjoyed traveling, celebrating the milestones in their daughters’ and grandsons’ lives, and spending time with extended family. Although his last few years presented difficult health challenges, he never lost his fighting spirit and determination.

Benedicto Velazquez will be remembered for the love he gave to his family and the special place he held in their lives. His memory will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held at Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home in the Argyle Room on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 39 N Carll Ave, Babylon, NY 11702, US, on Friday August 21, 2026, at 10:15 am. Interment will follow at St. Charles / Resurrection Cemeteries, 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735.