Benjamin J Soza

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Antonia Rodriguez; mother, Corina Soza Welch; and sister, Fatima Soza. He is survived by his great aunt, Ramona Soza, sisters, Yadira Taylor, Maria Corina Soza, Ramona Rizo; brothers, Harvey Soza and Carmen Ernesto Soza; numerous nieces and nephews, and his lifelong friend and companion, Mary Zuniga and loved by an extended family and circle of friends.

Benny was born in Jinotega, Nicaragua on November 25, 1949 where he was raised amidst humble beginnings, and through perseverance, ingenuity, a strong work ethic and an inner entrepreneurial spirit, together with his sister Yadira, helped to provide for the younger siblings.

Overcoming many trials and tribulations, Benny was a man of honor, bravery and determination. He never gave up on his dream to make a better life for himself, and made his way to America in 1969, to the country he so dearly loved. A true patriot, he was eternally proud and grateful to obtain his US Citizenship and in return settled in the San Francisco Bay area where he launched a very successful and accomplished career supporting federal contracts and US Naval Ships throughout the world as an International American Machinist and Aerospace Mechanic. He loved history and made sure he was current on the state of our country, watching the news day and night.

Benny was hard working, a defender and protector to his family and those that he loved. He was a pillar of strength, often supporting them in times of crisis or lending a hand to strangers. He valued honesty and strived to be loyal to his family and those that supported him but was also a “no nonsense” person. He preferred resolution, acceptance over conflict, often cited, “what comes around goes around”, accepting differences and walking away.

He was a “go getter” and had a gift to foresee business opportunities, where he began working at the age of 8 shining shoes at the local park, selling candy and juice in the neighborhood, and as an assistant at a relative’s auto shop. He had an incredible mind, innovation and ingenuity. He was a collector and lover of cars. He could take any engine apart and rebuild it.

He was kindhearted, generous, yet candidly stern in his advice as he often mentored his nieces and nephews, neighborhood youth and those that worked around him. He had a childlike spirit and was an avid Sports fan, particularly Baseball fan of the Oakland A’s, Giants, 49ers, boxing, golf and car racing. He loved to travel and appreciated other cultures and their history.

His passion was the ocean, music and dance. He eventually returned to his home in Livingston for the calm, to retreat there on weekends, where he loved to boat, fish and host family and friend Barbeques. He dreamed of owning a boat, another dream he made come true, where he lived during the workweek on Alameda Bay. For his love of kids, baseball and community, he made sure he returned in time to coach the Little League every weekend.

Benny was larger than life, with a laughter and energy that was contagious. He was the “life of the party”, often invited to more parties than he could attend and of course if there was dancing, the Ladies never let him rest, as he often dressed and danced “like John Travolta”. Benny made friends everywhere he went.

Tio loved the Eagle as it represents America and beloved values of this country. You were an Eagle in life and now in the heavens, soar with the Angels.

Benny remained strong in his faith and was grateful every day for the blessings the Lord gave him. He showed this in acts of kindness. He celebrated life and lived life to the fullest, he would want us to gather, laugh and love each other to celebrate his “Last Dance”. We are grateful for all of those that have reached out and supported the Soza family. Thank you for your compassion in sharing the loss of this great man, a Son, Nephew, Brother, Tio, Cousin, and Friend to the Soza family. May God Bless you all.