Benito Matos

Benito “Benny” Matos, 86, died Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at his home in Coral Springs.He leaves his wife of 49 years, Alida (Beato) Matos; his daughter, Ilia Martin, and his son-in-law, Christopher Martin; his daughter, Idanny Matos and his son-in-law, Jose Maldonado; two grandchildren, Victoria Taina and Victoria Isabel; his brother, Eduardo; his sisters Ermelinda and Rosa (deceased); his nephews, John, Eduardo, and Jaime; his nieces, Grisselle and Lissette; and many close friends.Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the son of Benito Matos and Dominga (Serrano) Matos, he relocated from Puerto Rico to Coral Springs in 2004.After graduating from Central High School in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Benito joined the US Army in 1943, where he was a Private, First Class, Medical Technician. A World War II veteran, he earned the American Theater Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and 4 Overseas Service Bars. He attended the University of Puerto Rico and earned an associate’s degree in Chemistry. He also earned a technical diploma in Dental Mechanics. He met his wife, Alida Beato, while travelling, and they were married in 1963. Mr. Matos proudly retired from the US Postal Service after 37 years of service. He not only took pride in his work but truly relished the friends he made during his tenure as a postal carrier and, later, supervisor, in this government agency. Mr. Matos had a passion for politics. Known as the “Caballero de la Verdad,” he was considered a civilian political analyst and shared his knowledge as a live commentator for many radio talk shows in Puerto Rico. His other passion was his family. Friends and relatives will be received at Kraaer Funeral Home, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, on Saturday, April 23, 2-4 and 6-8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m, Monday, April 25, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Coral Springs. Burial will be held at the South Florida National Cemetery at 12:45pm . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America. For more information, visit their website at http://www.pva.org, and click on DONATE or call 800-424-8200.