David Benitez

David Benitez, Father, Son, Brother and Friend to many, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024, at the age of 61, in Lakeland, FL. David was born on May 28, 1963, in The Bronx, NY, to Emilio Benitez Jr. and Maria Cristina Pinero Benitez. The second of four children, David brought smiles and joy to his family and friends. He attended and graduated from Meadow Hill School (1977), South Junior High School (1978) and Newburgh Free Academy in Newburgh, NY (1981). An “aspiring model” and multi-sport letter winner, "Beetz" was well known throughout school and the local community as a team player and leader in soccer, basketball, baseball, and track & field. After graduating, David followed in the footsteps of his father and older brother and joined the NYPD. Shortly after, he transitioned to one of his many talents and passions - painting. David's talents brought joy to many homeowners and neighborhoods as his work restored and improved homes throughout the New York Hudson Valley. His ​kindness, light-heartedness, humor, and beautiful smile brought much joy and impacted the lives of all he met. Getting to know David, you realized that behind those brush strokes and smile, he was a true Renaissance Man - well rounded, self-taught, analytical, multilingual, well read, athletic, and cultured in the arts. An intentional and kind soul, he gave others more than he had to give.

David was preceded in death by his mother Maria. Survivors include his daughter Brianna; his father Emilio Benitez Jr.; his brother Lenny and sister-in-law Sandra of Lakeland, FL; his sister Lisa Benitez and brother-in-law Michail Huerter of West Point, NY; his brother Emil Benitez and sister-in-law Allison of Sandown, NH; his nieces and nephews: Krystal, Sasha, Stephanie, Kaitlyn, Anthony, Jackson, and Grady; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

A Celebration of Life service and burial will be held at Garden of Memories Funeral Home in Tampa, FL 4207 E Lake Avenue on Tuesday, June 18 at 10:00 AM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.