Venito Vasquez

Venito (Ben) Vasquez, age 79, passed away on November 20, 2025. Born to Santos Vasquez and Juanita Esquivel in Eagle Pass, Texas. He was the fourth of nine children whose family followed the crops throughout the United States and settled in Watsonville, California.

He graduated from Watsonville High School and soon joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Lompoc, California prior to being sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico for his final assignment.

It was in Albuquerque where he met and eventually married the love of his life, Dorothy (Dodie) Vasquez. While working for his father in law's business, he attended the University of New Mexico. He worked for GTE Lenkurt before joining Sandia National Labs in an apprentice program. He retired from Sandia after thirty-one years of service as an Electronic Technician.

Venito was preceded in death by his father Santos Vasquez, mother Juanita Esquivel Vasquez. Brothers Santos Vasquez Jr, Enrique (Quico) Vasquez and Andres Vasquez. Sisters- in-law Nellie Vasquez and Nora Vasquez. Father-in-law James Montoya and mother-in-law Adelina Montoya

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dodie Vasquez. His three children Monica Vasquez, Matthew Vasquez and Vanessa Vasquez (son-in-law, Juan Garcia). Grandchildren Lorenzo, Estevan and Elena Garcia. Brothers Porfirio, Victor (Mary Ellen), and Anthony Vasquez. Sisters Irene Vasquez and Linda Ruiz. Sisters-in-law Margaret Vasquez and Liz Vasquez. Godson Kevin Valencia along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We mourn the loss of a kind, humble and intelligent man. It is important to remember how much joy and happiness Venito brought into our lives. Rest in peace, your spirit will forever remain alive within us.

Pallbearers are Juan Garcia, Lorenzo Garcia, Tim Valencia, Kevin Valencia, Lawrence Platero, and Joe Lente.

Honorary Pallbearers are Frits Toledo, Clarence Garcia, Estevan Garcia, Michael Tenorio and Raymond Baros.

A visitation will be held Monday, December 1, 2025 at 5 pm at French Westside Chapel, followed by a Rosary at 6 pm.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 9 am at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico.