Albert “Al” Benitez, 73 years of age, passed on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at St Jude’s Hospital. Al was born August 23, 1945 in Los Angeles, California to the late Quirino and Juanita Benitez. He was the youngest of three children. Al was educated in the Catholic school system, attend CAL State LA and then joined the US Air Force. Al married his sweetheart Ludivina “Lucy” Lascano in 1967 and four children were born from this union. Al and Lucy spent 20 years in the Air Force, traveling the country and the world. After retiring from the service in 1985 Al worked for Southland Corporation, St Francis of Assisi, Holy Name of Jesus, San Bernardino Diocese and finally Inland Economic Partnership. Al was strong in his faith and spent his life serving the lord. Al loved to garden, listen to music, take long drives with his beloved dog Baby, spending time with family, and had an overall zest for life. He was a loving and caring person, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, always thinking of others first. Al leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife Lucy, his children, Kimi, Karly, Michael and Kristina; his grandchildren Alex, Mikayla, Mia and Micheal, 4 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Viewing will be held from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Montecito Valley View Chapel, 3520 E. Washington Street, Colton, CA 92324. Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 115 W. Olive Street, Redlands, CA 92373. Albert will be laid to rest at 2:15pm on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.