Bennie Alfonso Maestas

In Loving Memory

We mourn the passing of Bennie Maestas who was called to heaven on April 10, 2024. He entered the world on February 13, 1936, to his parents, the late Andres Maestas and Merencia Maestas. Bennie was the youngest of 18 siblings, and we find solace in knowing that he is now reunited with loved ones who went before him – Juan Maestas, Nemecina Maestas (Baca), Benerito Maestas, Petra Maestas (Lucero), Bernarda Maestas, Maria Maestas (Garcia), Frank Maestas, Ella Maestas (Hill), Eisador Maestas, Delferia Maestas, Andres Maestas, Gabriel Maestas, Lucinda Maestas (Chavez), Ricardo Maestas, Dolores Maestas (Lovato), and Alex Maestas. His sister Susan “Susie” Maestas (Segura) is the only surviving Maestas sibling. 

Bennie is survived by his beloved wife, Reina Maria Almeida de Maestas with whom he shared 65 years of blissful marriage. Together, they embraced numerous life experiences, nurturing a family legacy that will be treasured for generations to come. Their journey began in Mexico, where they met, continued through Oklahoma, and eventually found their home in Albuquerque, where they spent their remaining years. Fond memories of crashing weddings, dancing, and outdoor adventures with the family (including fishing and camping) with laughter and prayers through life will forever live on.
 

Bennie's legacy lives on through the profound impact he had on his children: Angelita “Annabel” Garcia, Alfonso Maestas and his wife Berlina Maestas, Bernadette Maestas, Cesar Maestas and his wife Julianne Maestas. 

As a family, their hearts are now heavy with grief, yet filled with cherished memories of a spouse who has loved his wife wholeheartedly, and shown his love to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whose love knew no bounds like no other. Through his great example, he taught his family how to show true love to each other, which will continue for generations to come.

The generations touched by Bennie’s presence are numerous, as he now leaves behind a legacy that extends to his beloved grandchildren: Audra and her husband Michael Tenorio, Jocelyn Maestas, Adam and his wife Laura Maestas, Alfonso and his wife Sarah Maestas, Carlos and his wife Sammantha Garcia, Angela Maestas and Mitchel Martinez, Dominic Garcia and Brittany Armijo, Emanuel Garcia and Zane Parker, Maritza Maestas and Jared Fuller, and Victoria Maestas and GJ Lopez. Each grandchild carries a piece of Bennie’s spirit forward, embodying the love and values their loving grandfather instilled in them.

Additionally, Bennie's light shines brightly through the laughter and innocence of the next generation of great-grandchildren: Julian Tenorio, Emiliano Maestas, Santos Garcia, Bella Tenorio, Serenity Garcia, Gustavo Maestas, Riley Maestas, and the anticipated arrival of a baby girl Garcia. In their smiles and playful antics, Bennie's essence lives on, a testament to a life well-lived and a love that transcends time.
 
 Bennie, a remarkable soul, whose journey began at La Jara Elementary during his formative education years, led him through the halls of San Felipe De Neri Catholic School, culminating in his graduation from Cuba High School, where he lettered in basketball. He attended a trade school in Tucson, Arizona, where he became a licensed barber. He then graduated from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was a devout member of the San Felipe De Neri Church. Bennie found solace and community in his faith, guiding him through life's highs and lows.

His passion for barbering and degree in accounting led him to be self-employed creating, Ben’s Hair Design, on the corner of Rio Grande and Indian School, in the heart of The North Valley. This led him to become a pillar of the community where many youngsters went to get their hair cut. Bennie influenced many to choose successful life avenues. 

Bennie's passions were as diverse as they were deep-rooted. From the tranquil waters where he found peace fishing and camping, to the vibrant pages of historic bibliographies that captivated his mind, every moment spent dancing, strumming his guitar, boating, hunting, or exploring the world was a testament to his zest for life. An avid fan of Westerns, war movies, boxing matches, and various sports, Bennie found joy in simple pleasures and treasured every moment shared with his extensive brood of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His wanderlust took him across continents as he traveled with his beautiful wife Reina, from the cobblestone streets of Europe to the lush landscapes of the United States, which includes Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Latin America. Bennie's heart was a tapestry woven with threads of cultures and experiences from around the globe, each memory a cherished gem in the mosaic of his life.

At the core of Bennie's being, were the cherished family traditions that bound generations together. Whether gathering for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July barbecues, or impromptu camping trips, Bennie found his truest joy in the laughter and love shared during these moments of togetherness. Weddings and birthdays were celebrated “con mucho gusto” with Bennie's infectious spirit infusing each occasion with warmth and mirth.

A chapter of Bennie's life was dedicated to service, as he answered the call of duty when drafted and served in the Army Artillery Branch. He then transitioned into civilian life, returning to Albuquerque, New Mexico, with his beautiful bride and newborn daughter.  Bennie found fulfillment as a barber, and real estate entrepreneur which he pursued with passion until semi-retirement in 2017. Despite stepping away from the barber's chair, his love for the craft endured, as he continued to create art with scissors and clippers for close friends, his son Cesar Maestas, and great-grandsons, leaving behind a legacy of skill and camaraderie.

Bennie's life was a symphony of experiences, a harmonious blend of adventure, love, and dedication to family and his community. As we mourn his passing, his family, friends, and community will carry forward the lessons he imparted and the memories he gifted us, honoring his spirit in all that we do. Rest in peace, dear Bennie, knowing that your legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by your kindness and light.