Domingo Benitez

Domingo Benitez, 78, of Mt. Pleasant passed away Sunday, February 21, 2021, at his home with his family by his side.  Domingo was born on May 24, 1942 in Victoria, Texas, son of the late Vicente and Erminia (Monroe) Benitez.  As a teenager, Domingo first came to Michigan in the 1950s with his parents and siblings as migrant workers to harvest cherries in the Traverse City area. He enjoyed harvesting cherries so much that he would continue doing so well into his early 60's, all the while working a fulltime job in the process.  Domingo married the love of his life Maria Trinidad Valdez on   June 28, 1964 in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico.    Together they raised three children while living in Elk Rapids, MI for over 40 years.   Domingo worked at Chef Pierre/Sara Lee Bakery, Traverse City and then retired from United Technologies/Lear Automotive, Traverse City.  Domingo enjoyed leather crafting, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Maria; daughter, Martha Benitez of Mt. Pleasant, and her children, Maria Celestia, Mykela, Selena and their father Alfredo Martin, Liam, and Caleb; daughter, Carol Benitez of Manistee and her children, Augustine, Jai, and Austin; son, Domingo Martin (Nereida) Benitez of Mt. Pleasant and their children Cristian and Priscilla; six great grandchildren, Ayden, Anthony, Ezra, Jamison, Silas and Lukas; siblings, Juan of Colorado, Luisa of Florida, Daniel of Texas, Maria Ester of Florida, Estella of Florida, Jose of Florida and Alexander of Indiana.  He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Leonardo, Benito, Antonio, and Roberto.  A Funeral Mass for Domingo will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 23, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Christian Tabares as celebrant. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the Mass begins. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery immediately following.   To leave a condolence for the family or to sign the online guest book please visit www.CharlesRLux.com