Obituary of Benjamin Grijalva

Benjamin Grijalva took his last breath early in the morning of March 1, 2016. Benjamin was born in Hayden, AZ on November 3, 1925 and later moved to Tucson. He served honorably in the US Navy during WWII. Benjamin worked as a construction worker, Brick Mason, and Foreman. He retired from the Chirco Construction Company in 1990. Benjamin was preceded in death by his father Eduardo and his mother Maria. Benjamin is survived by the love of his life, Virginia, who loved and cared for him faithfully for 64 years. He is survived by his 3 children: Steven Grijalva (Laura), Debra Alvarez (Sam) and John Grijalva (Trina), and 13 grandchildren; Steven Grijalva, Steven Alvarez, Benjamin Alvarez, Celeste Grijalva-Sutherland, Lisa Grijalva, Benjamin Grijalva, Christopher Grijalva, Michelle Alvarez, John Grijalva II, Gabriel Alvarez, Jessala Grijalva, Dolores Alvarez, and James Grijalva. He was blessed with 34 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Freddy Grijalva (Ernestina), and many nieces and nephews. Benjamin enjoyed being with his family, watching baseball, caring for his home, and reading. He will be remembered for his kindness, love, wonderful sense of humor, and the affection he showed to all whom he welcomed into his home and his heart. He was a beautiful soul who will be missed immensely by many. In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorials in his name be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.