Michael Salvadore Benestante

Michael Salvadore Benestante, 68, of Houston, Texas, entered eternal rest at MD Anderson Hospital on the 26th of September 2026, surrounded by his wife, sisters, and close friends. He valiantly fought his long battle with cancer by staying strong in his faith with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his devotion to St. Michael the Archangel and Infant Jesus of Prague. He was a cherished husband, brother, father, Pawpaw, business associate, and loyal friend. His presence in this world will be terribly missed by the many people’s lives he touched.

Born on the 21st of January 1958, in Houston, Texas, the third child of four and only son of Salvadore “Sam” Benestante and Rosalie Benestante, nee Bonno. He was a third-generation Italian American with roots strong in faith, family, entrepreneurship, and tradition.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Frank and Petrina Bonno and Pasquale and Carmela Benestante; mother and father Sam and Rosalie Benestante; sister Patricia and her husband Sam Bravenec; brother-in-law Dean Schmitz; and son-in-law Casey Curry.

Michael attended Sacred Heart, Holy Ghost, and St. Thomas High School, where he made lifelong friends. He was one of only a few sophomores selected to play varsity football and helped lead St. Thomas to the state championship game. Athletic ability was just one of Michael’s many talents. As a lifelong learner, he taught himself to play the guitar and piano. On many occasions, he delighted family and friends with an impromptu performance of a song. His love of music lives on through his family. His eldest daughter, Brooke, possesses natural talent and would often perform for family at holidays or gatherings. His grandchildren are also following in his footsteps; Aidan is teaching himself to play the piano while Dylan’s enthusiastic singing is a heartwarming reflection of both her mother and her Pawpaw. His daughter, Grace, has also inherited Michael’s athletic gifts and competitive spirit.

Michael lived a rich and fulfilling life, deeply rooted in his love of the outdoors. He found great joy in the serenity of his 88-acre ranch in Brenham, Texas, where he cared for cattle, donkeys, and chickens. In October 2012, the ranch became the event space for the Benestante family reunion which hosted more than 120 relatives. He cherished long motorcycle rides along open country roads and enjoyed charter fishing trips at Hackberry Rod & Gun in Hackberry, LA, always hopeful of landing the next big catch or securing a new client contract. Back in Houston, he could often be found hitting golf balls at Braeburn Country Club and Hermann Park or walking the track around Rice Stadium with his wife, Natalie. His sister Patricia’s Vermont home gave him an escape from the Texas heat, as well as his travels to Europe to source items for Carrabba’s and Mandola’s restaurants. These simple pleasures bought him a sense of peace and contentment.

Michael's first job after high school was pouring residential driveways and sidewalks for his uncle. Before long, he expanded into commercial concrete slabs, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable career in construction and development.

In 1980, he founded Christians Construction, Inc. and Christians Development Company, Inc., design-build firms serving South Central Texas. What began in Houston steadily grew into a successful enterprise with projects spanning San Antonio, Plano, Navasota, Brenham, and countless communities in between. Nearly five decades later, Christians Development Company continues to reflect Michael's vision, determination, and commitment to excellence.

Early in his career, Michael's father sought to support his son's natural talents and entrusted him with the design and construction of the family’s shopping center at Fountain View Drive and Richmond Avenue. After seeing Michael's capabilities firsthand, his father welcomed him as a tenant, providing Christians Development Company with a headquarters that remained its home for nearly 30 years. He was also Michael’s mentor, providing guidance and advice that helped Christians Development Company in its success.

Through persistence, integrity, and an unwavering work ethic, Michael, affectionately known as "The Grinder," built lasting relationships with loyal vendors, dedicated subcontractors, and repeat clients. His reputation for getting things done earned him opportunities to work with well-known brands and local favorites alike, including Domino's, Papa Johns, Fleming's, Pesce, Carrabba's, Piatto’s, Ragin' Cajun, Dunkin' Donuts, and Trattoria Lisina. His portfolio extended far beyond restaurants and retail spaces to include schools, The Brookwood Community, and residential homes. He took great pleasure in being part of revitalizing and preserving the Plaza Hotel, allowing him to leave his mark on Houston for years to come. In the 1990s, Michael partnered with Baxter Braeband, a collaboration that led to one of the most significant achievements of his career; securing a major contract involving Texas emissions facilities. It was one of many successful partnerships he cultivated throughout his life. Never content to stand still, Michael was constantly seeking new opportunities for growth and expansion, approaching each venture with the same determination, optimism, and entrepreneurial spirit that earned him his nickname.

Later in life, projects involving assisted living communities sparked something deeper within him. The construction of an assisted living facility in Cibolo, followed by work at Pitman Creek, planted a seed that would be considered his greatest passion project. Michael knew firsthand the unique charm and character of Brenham and believed he could contribute something meaningful to the community he loved. Drawing upon his experience in assisted living design and development, combined with his affection for Brenham, he created Silversage Assisted Living and Memory Care, a project built by his team on land he owned. It stood as one of his greatest acts of service, providing comfort, care, and dignity to others. In November 2024, he further expanded the property with the addition of a beautiful chapel he personally designed, creating a place of reflection, faith, and community for residents and families alike.

While Michael's professional accomplishments were impressive, they tell only part of his story. Family was what truly made him whole.

Michael began his family life in the Garden Oaks neighborhood of Houston with his first wife, Kathy Benestante, nee Holbert. There they welcomed his first daughter, Brooke Katherine Benestante. Although the marriage ended, their friendship endured for many years. Later, on Sackett Street in Upper Kirby, Michael continued building his family and life. He spent time improving and revitalizing the block with his multiple purchases and new builds. On the 4th of January 2014, Michael married Natalie Nelson in an intimate ceremony in San Antonio. Through that union, he was blessed with a bonus daughter, Gretchen Weibel, and later that year welcomed his third daughter, Grace Giada Benestante.

Becoming a father again later in life gave Michael a renewed perspective. With that experience came wisdom, and he embraced every opportunity to be present and involved. He became the loudest supporter on the sidelines and in the stands, cheering on his daughters through Girl Scouts, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and competitive cheerleading. Whether it was a practice, performance, or game, Michael showed up with enthusiasm and pride. More than anything, he was their biggest fan.

Michael would say he was always surrounded by women, from the women in his family to his office staff, and all the caregivers and staff at Silversage – he was blessed and he knew it.

Michael is survived by his wife Natalie Benestante, nee Nelson; daughter Brooke Benestante Curry; two grandchildren Aidan and Dylan Curry; stepdaughter Gretchen Weibel; daughter Grace Benestante; sisters Rosemarie Schmitz and Gina Benestante-Heidemann and her husband David; and loyal lifelong friends, neighbors, business associates, and clients past and present.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from three o’clock in the afternoon until six o’clock in the evening on Sunday, the 4th of October, in the grand foyer and Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the eulogies and recitation of the Holy Rosary will commence at five o’clock.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 5th of October, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road in Houston, where Rev. David J. Zapalac, CSB is to officiate.

Entombment will follow, via escorted cortege, at Forest Park Westheimer in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with appreciation that contributions be made in Michael’s memory to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, a 501(c) (3) public charity founded by television host Mike Rowe to close America’s skills gap and challenge the stigma surrounding the skilled trades or to MD Anderson Cancer Center by visiting the links below under "Donations".