Jose Luis Benavides de Posada of Marietta, Georgia, died at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, on October 12, 2013. He was 69 years old. He was a loving husband and father, a devoted son and sibling, and a cherished friend and patriot.
Mr. Benavides was born in Havana, Cuba, on July 19, 1944. His parents were Raul and Carina Benavides of Havana, Cuba, and had extended family in Camaguey, Cuba, where his descendants settled upon their arrival from Spain. His family, including his brother Raul and Aunt Esther Maria, lived in the Vedado section of Havana and they fled the Fidel Castro regime in August 1960 to Miami, Florida, eventually settling in San Juan, Puerto Rico. While in Havana, Mr. Benavides attended Colegio de la Salle, enjoyed sports at the Vedado Tennis Club and the beaches of Tarara, Cuba. He always had cherished memories of his childhood in Havana and, unfortunately, was never able to return.
While in Puerto Rico, Mr. Benavides lived in Santurce, graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, and helped his family start a new life. After graduation, Mr. Benavides married Edna Frances Valdespino on August 11, 1967. He became an officer in the United State Army, reaching the rank of Captain. Stationed first in Ft. Eustis, Virginia, he later served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War in the 519th Transportation Battalion. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Mr. Benavides returned to San Juan, Puerto Rico, became employed by The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), joined the Army Reserves, and started raising a family. During his time with IBM, Mr. Benavides was transferred to Phoenix, Arizona, Boca Raton, Florida, and eventually Atlanta, Georgia.
Mr. Benavides was an avid reader, especially of history, an enthusiastic football fan and maintained active relationships with U.S. military veterans. His children remember afternoons in El Morro, trips to Rio Mar, Abuelo's domino games, vacations to Disney World, wonderful Christmas times, his unconditional love and his lifelong words of advice. He was best loved by his family and friends for his jovial and spirited personality.
Mr. Benavides is survived by his wife, Edna F. Benavides of Marietta, Georgia; his brother, Raul Benavides and his wife Letty Ann of San Juan, Puerto Rico; his children, Jose L. Benavides and his wife Stephanie of New York, NY, Javier F. Benavides of Marietta, GA, Carina P. Stankiewicz Benavides and her husband Hubert, Edna F. Benavides and her husband Carles Asenjo of Valencia, Spain; and eight grandchildren. They all greatly miss "Papi" who left too early.
Funeral arrangements and services were handled by the H.M. Paterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel in Marietta, Georgia. A funeral mass will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church of Marietta, Georgia, on Wednesday, October 16th, at 11am and a Military Honors burial will be held on Thursday, October 17th, at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.
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