Death date: Dec 17, 2020
Benito Caraballo, Sr., was born in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico in October 1943. As a “middle child” in a family of 10 brothers and sisters, he grew up surrounded by the love, energy, and mischief that such a group could provide. After Read Obituary
Going through some pictures. Great memories with a wonderful uncle. You will be missed tio!
There’s just so many great things and memories to share about my Uncle Benny. As a child being raised by a single mother, I looked up to my Uncle Benny as the ideal boys Dad! I always had fun and felt safe around him. I was truly jealous of B2 and Ralphy. He was the ultimate Dad and Husband.
When Mom died, I received a call from my Uncle Benny. And although it wasn’t a very long conversation, the tears and emotions we shared during that call will always be a part of me! The Caraballo brothers and sisters truly adored one another, as we adore them!
I will never forget you my sweet Uncle. I am crushed and heartbroken to know that I can’t have another talk with you. I’m only at peace knowing that you are with Mommy, Grandma, Grandpa and Titi Titi in paradise.
I Love You and God Bless.
Rosie Figueroa Taylor
Uncle Ben was a role model for us all. He adored his family and lived his life by the golden rule.
When abuelo and abuela moved to PR, Uncle Ben and Titi Rudi’s house in Merrick became the place where the NY area family gathered and the cousins got to know each other. There were Christmas plays organized in the basement and cookouts in the summer. Tío never missed an opportunity to be with his family.
Your loving manner and presence will be missed and never forgotten.
Love from Rosie, Bob and Zach Taylor
Benny Sr. STORY -
I was 10 years old and my family had moved from East Harlem to Harlem which was equivalent to going from the frying pan to the fire in terms of living conditions.
Music was blaring from radios and phonographs at all hours of the day and night mixed in with car horns, sirens and shouts from the street.
One night I was in bed trying to fall asleep but I couldn't because of the extra loud music our downstairs neighbor was playing.
Benny had just come in from a night out. I knew he was in the living room because it was his habit to sit quietly in the dark for a while before he went to bed.
That night the music just seemed extra loud and it kept me awake.
I started to worry if I would be able to get up in the morning to go to church on time.
Then suddenly I heard the window sash, in our living room, slam up and I heard Benny's booming voice.
LOWER THAt DAMN MUSIC! NOW!!
Immediately our neighbor lowered the music to a human level. Then I heard our living room window slam down.
I fell asleep within minutes.
There have been plenty of nights when Benny and the rest of us tolerated the noise. But that night he had had enough and he did something about it.
My parents taught me endurance. My sisters taught me kindness. And my brothers, like Benny, showed me courage.
See you in another realm brother. Your baby sister, Yolanda
My daddy (Orlando - Tio Benny’s brother) wants to share a memory :(
Tio Benny and my dad after all their chores were done on a Saturday decided to go to the movies at around 10am and paid 7cents (can you believe 7cents to go to the movies). After a certain time adults only were allowed and the lights were turned on and any kids in the theater were escorted out. My dad and Tio hid under the seats to stay and continue to watch adult movies until closing. That day when they decided to stay and watch adult movies at about 9pm the lights were turned on and low and behold they hear grandpa’s voice who showed up at the theater checking to see if his boys were still at the theater. My dad and Tio snuck out of the theater and ran home and they both jumped into the tub (I asked why the tub? - LOL) so that when grandpa returned home he would find them in the tub (dique - taking a bath), and in the tub was where they received their beat down. (Bendito)
Daddy says tio Ben (aka Nono) and Tt China (aka Nana) were his partners in crime.
He will miss his brother and sister terribly!!
Daddy says - I will never forget you my brother!!
Manny Villegas Jr, Cousin
My cousin Benny. That's what most of us called him. I can't even find the words to describe how much you will be missed by all of us. Although we were not on the phone once a month talking, I followed you Benny; always asking about you because you and everyone carrying the Caraballo surname were part part of me and were all considered my brothers and sisters. You have earned your Navy wings and now surrounded by other angels as you lead the way cuz. You have joined Tio, Tia, (your mom and dad) and your siblings Nana and Titi. I was only a kid at the time when you were in the Navy but I admired you looking at this tall slim soldier in his Navy uniform joining a family of soldiers; your brothers, one Marine and the other Army.
I remember that day you married the love of your life. Back in those days, weddings were held in the house. What I recall was this little guy among big men waiting on the garter belt to be thrown and catching it.
You my cousin, were an inspiration to all that knew you. A gentle giant.
I am proud to have had you as my cousin. Thank you for your service Benny. Rest well and God Bless you always.
I
Always remember how humble he was! Such a great uncle, husband to titi Rudy and incredible dad to Benny Jr and Felix, forever in my heart! Love Nara
Probably one of the first hugs that Grandpa ever gave as a grandpa and I am lucky to have gotten so many in my life.
Tio,
When I think of you only one word comes to mind...good. Truly good. You were a good son. A good brother. A good husband. A good father. A good grandfather, a good good uncle. I think of you on the grill in Merrick. I think of you with your family. I think of you working hard for your family. I will always be proud that you earned your masters degree later in life. I will always be proud that I was your niece. RIP Tio Benny. You will be missed. Love you forever.
Your niece,
Dorcas
