Israel Benitez, a lifelong resident of Newburgh, entered into rest on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at N.Y. Presbyterian Columbia Hospital in New York.
He was the son of Agustin Benitez and Maria A. Lopez, and was born October 20, 1993 in Newburgh. He was a member of the graduating class of 2011 at Newburgh Free Academy, and was a member of the Green Knights Biker’s Club.
Israel proudly served his country in the Army National Guard. During his service he was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. After his discharge, he was a sales associate for the Home Depot, Newburgh.
Survivors include his mother, Maria A. Lopez of Newburgh; his father, Agustin Benitez and step-mother Dulce Benitez of Wallkill; paternal grandparents, Thomas & Maria Eva Benitez of Mexico; three brothers, Rafael Benitez of Cornwall, Marco A. Aguilar of Marlboro, and Ivan Aguilar of Wallkill; one sister, Idaly Cruz of Newburgh, and one niece, Jordan Aguilar.
A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 14, at White, Venuto and Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service, Newburgh. Burial with military honors will follow at the Orange County Veteran’s Cemetery, 111 Craigville Road, Goshen.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Israel’s name to Wounded Warrior’s, at woundedwarriorproject.org.