Rudy Q. Benitez

RUDY Q. BENITEZ was born December 23, 1923 in Naguilian Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Surviving the difficulties of World War II and hoping to find a better life he traveled to Hawaii in 1946 to work on the plantation fields and eventually came to San Diego, California in 1959 to pursue the "American Dream."

Even though he only had a 5th grade education, he landed a Civil Service job working in the shipyards of San Diego and after retiring from government service he worked many years as a waiter in restaurants. He eventually earned his Contractor's License and started his own company, Rudy & Son, doing home remodels and building homes for others. In 1977 he bought a 2 acre parcel of land in Spring Valley and built his dream home and saw the reality of achieving "The American Dream." In 1978 he was recognized by the San Diego Union/Tribune for his accomplishments as a builder. He served as a symbol of what one can accomplish through hard work and perserverance which culminated with the planning, designing, construction and completion of his Spring Valley home.

As members of his family arrived in the USA from the Philippines, Rudy was always there to help them in whatever way they needed. He greeted many a serviceman relative and the Benitez home was a welcoming retreat for many arriving in San Diego for training or duty. As Rudy grew his construction company, he offered up his skills and there are few remaining friends or relatives that have not had a room addition or house built for them by him. Rudy was a quiet person but his dedication to helping those around him and his community made his presence larger than life itself and gained him the title of Patriarch to this huge extended family.

Rudy is survived by his wife of 60 years, Florida

His 3 daughters: Perlita, Angie & Irene

His 4 sons: Rudy, Randy, Raynard & Eduard

His 15 grandchildren: Jennifer, (Benedict whom he'll see again in heaven), Alicia, Christopher, Andrew, James, Brandon, Tracee, Katina, Mar, Nicole, Angelique, Daniel, Jarred, Mathew & Samuel.

His 12 great-grandchildren: Justin, Angelique, Elijah, Isabel, Kaitlyn, Gio, Angelo, Emma Rose, Keoni, Maximus, Kaelani & Maile.

...and 3 great-grandsons who will be making their arrival in a few months.

His sisters, Sergia & Idot and his brother, Evaristo.

Rudy always emphasized the importance of family values and relationships above anything else and invested a lot of personal sacrifice to make sure his large family understood this and saw it in his actions & words. Rudy was always a Man of Action, Honor, Truth, Honesty & Integrity. We will miss his strength in the face of adversity and will continue to look to him for guidance and courage. We look forward to the day when we can be with him again.