Benigno Gonzalez Flores

Benigno “Papi” Gonzalez Flores, 102, of Terra Alta, WV, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 27, 1923, in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, Benigno was the son of the late Avelino Gonzalez and Catalina Flores Figueroa.

Benigno served his country with honor as a Merchant Marine for over 20 years, including active service during World War II. His role in transporting provisions to soldiers on the front lines was a quiet but vital part of the war effort. After decades of dedication, he retired from the Merchant Marine and continued his life of service in every role he took on thereafter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Maria “Toñita” Gonzalez, who passed away in 2017; his granddaughter, Sheyla Ayala Gonzalez; and siblings Petra Gonzalez Flores, Carmen Gonzalez Flores, Bernardino Gonzalez Flores, Dennis Gutierrez, and Diana Perez.

He is survived by his devoted daughter, Melissa Farrar, and her husband, Paul Farrar; his cherished granddaughter, Veronica Rivera Gonzalez; and his loving siblings, Carlos Gonzalez Flores and Belen Gonzalez Flores.

Benigno—affectionately known as “Papi”—was a truly remarkable man. As the eldest male sibling, he left Puerto Rico to build a life in the continental U.S., working tirelessly to support his family back home. He was an exemplary father, loving grandfather, a devoted husband, and a pillar of strength and faith for his entire family.

A man of deep Christian faith, Papi lived what he believed. His life was a testament to grace, humility, and quiet strength. To know him was to witness a life marked by love, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to both God and family.

While our hearts ache, we find comfort in knowing that Papi is now reunited with his beloved Toñita and with his granddaughter Sheyla. The thought of them together again brings us peace in the midst of sorrow.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to WV Caring Hospice for their compassionate and professional care during Papi’s final days—especially nurses DJ and Ashley, whose support and kindness brought comfort and peace to both Papi and our family.

A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Amanda Reckart, Papi’s devoted caregiver of four years. Amanda was more than a caregiver—she became family. Her unwavering presence, compassion, and the dignity with which she cared for Papi will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for the love and commitment she showed him every single day.

We will miss him dearly, but his legacy lives on in all of us.

Friends may gather to honor Benigno’s life on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Terra Alta Funeral Home, located at 1112 W. State Ave., Terra Alta, WV 26764. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Military honors will be rendered at 4:00 PM by the Preston County Honor Guard and the United States Navy.

Burial will take place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at St. Raymond's Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465.

Online condolences and sympathy gifts can be sent to the Gonzalez Flores family at kingwoodfuneralhomewv.com.  Terra Alta Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gonzalez Flores family.  

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