Benjamin Moreira Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Evelyn Moreira, their daughter, Stephanie, his sister, Irma N. Moreira, and nieces Susanne M. Peña, Jennifer M. Peña, Jessica Thomas, and Cristina Morales-Vega. Benjamin was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Isabel Moreira.

Benjamin was a life-long learner and amateur historian. His love for history began during his childhood. It extended during his high school years at Brooklyn Technical High School in NYC and continued at New York University, where he obtained a BA in history. His passion for education did not cease even after retiring from the military. He continued his studies and finished the prerequisites for his Doctorate degree in city planning at the University of Alabama. For a period, he was an adjunct History instructor at the University of Alabama. Throughout his life, he was constantly reading history books and discussing the past’s impact on current events.

Benjamin will be remembered for his love of baseball. Since a child he worshipped the game. Even before moving to Alabama, he boasted being an Atlanta Braves fan. He was proud to follow Puerto Rican baseball players throughout their careers.

Military life was part of his DNA. He came from a long generational line of military servants. Even as a child, he would pretend to be the commander in chief of his little plastic toy green soldiers. He joined Army ROTC while attending NYU and continued his career as an Army officer for over 20 years. He retired in 1992 as a Lt. Colonel. After the military, he continued his civil service career serving as Chief IT officer with the American Indian Tribe division of the Alabama State government. In this position, he took pride in sharing the culture and success of tribal communities throughout the state.

Benjamin came from humble beginnings but quickly learned the benefits and rewards of education. This he took to heart and ensured that his daughter and nieces understood the importance of education. He was determined, a go getter and instilled in his family the importance of always setting high expectations and goals for oneself.

He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He shared his knowledge, insight and aspirations with his family and others willing to listen. He was immensely proud of his family and celebrated their every accomplishment. Today we celebrate his life and not mourn his death because his was a life well-lived. His goals and ideals will be well preserved through his daughter, nieces and future generations of his family. This is his legacy.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family requests you honor his legacy by thanking a veteran in your life, attending a local baseball game, or donating to a national history museum. His favorite was the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA.