Born March 17, 1937, Ben grew up in East Los Angeles with brother Bobby and parents Benito Sr. and Irene. Ben attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary and Cantwell High School. After graduation, Ben enlisted in the Air Force, served in Japan, and finished his service in Madera, California, where he met his wife of 63 years, Elvira Flores.
After leaving the military, Ben started working for Pacific Bell in Los Angeles and then relocated to Fresno, where he retired after 37 years of service. Ben and Vera had four children, Benito III, Yolanda, Miguel, and Armando. Ben and Vera bought a 2-acre plot of land in west Fresno where they raised their children and made many great memories with the family. He was very involved in 4-H raising sheep and taught electricity fundamentals. In the mid-1970’s, he was elected and served on the Board of Trustees with the McKinley-Roosevelt School District.
If you were to ask Ben, his greatest joy were his children, his eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. For many years after retirement, Ben was involved in his grandchildren’s lives. He was the taxi to many school events, dance, and karate lessons. He loved every moment with each of his beautiful grandchildren, and they loved him back. He shared wonderful memories with them which they will always remember.
Ben enjoyed working on his bonsai collection and for many years was a member of the Fresno Bonsai Society. To this day, many of his bonsai plants are enjoyed by members of the Bonsai Society. He also enjoyed reading, photography, Japanese culture, performing magic at holiday events, relaxing in his hammock, and attending concerts in Las Vegas with Vera to watch one of his favorite artists, Luis Miguel.
Ben is survived by his spouse Vera, brother Bobby of Los Angeles, his son Ben and wife Letticia, daughter Yolanda Stone, son Mike and wife Stacy, son Armando and wife Leacia, and grandchildren Matthew and wife Amanda, Daniel and wife Hannah, Colton and wife Emily, Alessandra, Angelina, Mike Jr. and wife Lauren, Rachel, Kevin, Joseph, Nicholas, and great grandchildren Nathan, Amelia, Sadie, Lincoln, Hannah, and Ezra.
Ben is preceded in death by parents and grandson, Aaron.
A funeral service will be held at Stephens and Bean of Fresno at 10:30 Friday, March 29th.
