A Glance Into Kearny Soccer

Eric Benitez Had Kearny Soccer In His Heart

Eric Benitez Branch manager, had lifelong passion for soccer, 38 Eric Benitez, 38, entered into rest on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Newark, raised in Kearny and lived in Marlboro before moving to Lake Mary, Fla., seven years ago.

Visiting will be on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. A Mass is Friday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Cecilia's Church. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst.

Eric had a lifelong passion for soccer which was shared with his father. In his youth, Eric played Kearny High School and Thistle Soccer. Eric continued his passion in an adult soccer league and by cheering on his Uruguayan national team. Eric fulfilled his adventurous, competitive spirit with motorcycle racing after high school and, in recent years, as an avid golfer in sunny Florida. Eric had a career in the technology field, most recently as branch manager for Kelly Services in Maitland, Fla. He was a beloved and devoted husband to his wife, Lori (Alessio); loving son to Walter and Eva Benitez, and cherished brother to Monica, Alex and Ryan Benitez. Eric is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Lauren, James, Anna, Mark, Xavier and Mikayla. Eric's sweet nature and sense of humor brought joy to many. His strength and kind spirit touches many hearts, and he will be dearly missed by all. In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations in Eric's name to The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health for use by Dr. Allyson Ocean, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 1315 York Ave., Floor 1, New York, N.Y. 10021

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