Benito S. Quesada

Benito S. Quesada, age 86, went home peacefully to the Lord early on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 surrounded by his family. He will always be remembered as a husband and father who with hard-working hands, genuine love, and unwavering faith built his home and generously blessed his family.

Benito was hard working from a very early age, doing farm work in his early teens and later working at Builders Supply before joining the United States Army. On his return he worked at El Paso Bolt and Screw from 1961-68 until his work ethic and skills caught the attention of one of his customers, Utility Trailer, who recruited him for a better opportunity. He worked with them for over 20 years until they closed their El Paso location in 1991.  Proving to himself that it is never too late to learn new skills, he went back to school at the age of 55, earning his associate’s degree in business management. Inspired and armed with new skills, he developed a new inventory process and later assisted in the implementation of a new inventory control software system for J.F. Stewart Oil where he worked until his retirement.

As a long-time member of both Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and the Open Arms Community, Benito’s heart of service poured into various ministries over the years. His service began through the work of his hands by building furniture and shelves for the school, and the set-up of endless bazaars. Awakening to his faith through the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, the work of his heart began, teaching confirmation students and their parents, preparing RCIA catechumens, and presenting pre-baptismal classes. As his faith blossomed, he served in regional conferences, parish retreats and weekly prayer meetings. With a renewed heart and Bible in hand, Benito joined his wife on the intentional walk of faith, bringing all their children along.

A cherished and shared memory of all those who knew him well, is the joy he brought through the gift of his music: playing his guitar and singing to his heart’s content for family gatherings, at Centro Santa Fe Food Bank, and for the elderly at Valle Hermosa in Ysleta.  Today his children and grandchildren share this gift of music within their parish and wider communities – “a living legacy to the leader of the band.”

Benito is preceded in death by his parents Pedro Quesada and Gerarda Salas Quesada, brothers Jesus Quesada, Jose Quesada, Manuel Quesada, Nicolas Quesada, and great grandson Isaac Mateo Puentes.

Benito is survived by his wife of 60 years, Yolanda D. Quesada, children Leticia Q Macias (Fred) of El Paso, TX, Diana Marie Aparicio of El Paso, TX, Michael Anthony Quesada (Liliana) of Indianapolis, IN, Lillian Rodriguez (Armando) of Houston, TX, Christina Mayne (Alan) of Roma, TX, Freddy Quesada (Christy) of Rio Rancho, NM, Yolanda Isela Quesada Vazquez (Yuri) of Denver, CO, and foster children Thomas Ragsdale (Rosa) of Beeville, TX and Irene Perez Law (Randy) of CO.  He is also survived by his brothers Robert Quesada and Paul Quesada, and sisters Trinidad Lucero and Mercedes Ponce.  He also leaves behind 24 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren to honor and cherish his memory.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Rosary starting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 131 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, Texas 79907. A Mass will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 131 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, Texas 79907. A Graveside will then follow at 11:15 AM at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 401 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, Texas 79907. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home- Americas.