Timeline for Benito Gilbert Salinas Jr.
Born: August 19, 1958
November 30, 2008
Holiday Inn – My 2 favorite bartenders – Victor and Benny ♥♥♥
Died: April 9, 2019
Benito “Benny” Salinas Jr. was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at his home in Friendswood, TX, surrounded by his beloved family. Benny fought and beat aggressive prostate cancer in November 2014 and had been cancer-free for a little over three years when he started feeling ill in December 2017. He valiantly fought an unrelated and rare form of cancer, bile duct cancer within the liver, these past 15 months with determination to once again beat this horrible disease. Despite his fight, his love for life, and his desire to stay on earth with his family and loved ones, the Lord saw fit to have Benny in His Kingdom to serve as an inspiration of hope, determination, love and awareness instead.
Benny was a proud “BOI” born August 19, 1958 on Galveston Island near Texas to his incredible parents, Lupe and Benito Salinas Sr. Benny was the third of six amazing children who was raised in a close, loving and fun-filled household where his mom and brother still reside today.
Benny is preceded in death by his father, Benito “Benny” Salinas Sr.; sister, Sonia Perez; and niece, Crystal Lozano.
Benny is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife, Amy Salinas; son and #1, Gavin; mother, Lupe Salinas; sisters and brothers, Laura Lozano and husband, Danny; Victor Salinas; Bertha Riedel and husband, Mike; Diana Ybarra and husband Tino; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Shari Taylor and Steve Mordente; brother-in-law, Lee Taylor, Jr. and wife, Thelma; Nancy (Angel) Sliter and husband, Drew; nieces and nephews: Alicia Massey and husband, John; Stephanie Burns and husband, Will; Joseph Perez and wife, Christina; Luis Perez; Justin Riedel; Jessica Riedel; Stephen Ybarra; Daniel Lozano, Jr.; Dylan Ybarra; Breann Taylor; K’Lee Taylor; Cornelle Mack-Taylor; Jaycia Mack; and Elijah Atkins; great nieces and great nephews: Roderick “Rocky” Gasaway and girlfriend Cathy Creamer, Anjelica August and Ella Burns; and great great nieces, Lena and Jordan Gasaway.
Benny was a proud graduate of the Ball High School class of 1976. Many of his friends from middle and high school are still, 40 plus years later, some of the closest and most cherished friends he has. Neither distance nor years spent apart could keep this certain group of BHS Tors from getting together no matter what the occasion to laugh, tell stories and show love to one and all.
Benny’s strong work ethic started at a young age from custodian at Sea-Arama, to stocking groceries, to traveling tv cable salesman across the country to his longstanding career as Galveston’s Best Bartender. Benny’s best memories of his career were serving Galveston’s Finest, and tourists alike, the best drinks on the island beside his brother and best friend Victor at B’Jiggers on the Seawall for over 26 years. He was known for remembering not only your face but probably your name and definitely what you drank, whether he served you 5 months or 15 years earlier. Benny would say he was “World Wide” as he had so many friends and customers from around the world that would come back time and time again to see his smile and taste one of his famous drinks. B’Jiggers gave Benny the opportunity to combine his love of the island, people and great live music while earning a beautiful life for himself and his future family. Benny’s passion and “ear” for music earned him many long-standing and loving friendships with countless fabulous musicians over the span of his career and into retirement. Benny has always told Gavin don’t work because you have to son, work because you LOVE what you do, and Benny truly loved what he did in serving his friends on The Island.
Benny is a loving and devoted husband and best friend to Amy and an amazing dad, inspiration and role model to Gavin. He is a wonderful, dedicated and loved son and brother. Benny’s family was his prized possession and what inspired him to fight cancer full force not just once but two times within 3 years. Benny’s two “fur babies”, Chuy and Delylah, were his constant companions and in the end his devoted guardians who rarely left his side.
Benny loved the island he grew up on and everything about “island life”. He loved to surf, fish, skateboard, bike on the seawall, walk on the beach, tell people about Galveston and most of all just watch the sunsets. Benny had a love for travel from snow-capped mountains to other tropical or island and exotic destinations. His heart remained in Galveston where the salt water of the Gulf of Mexico ran through his veins.
Benny had a passion for the outdoors, games and sports especially his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Whether it was swimming the beach in Galveston or Hawaii, finding a watering hole in the hill country of Texas like Krause Springs or just a friend’s backyard pool, Benny loved the water and all the serenity it gave him. Playing little league and hitting numerous homeruns, playing Booray in his younger years, throwing darts as a Penetrator, shooting pool (and usually saying to those he beat “Rack Em”), or playing Chess at home Benny was always competitive. This is something he passed along to his son Gavin, being his sideline baseball coach, teaching him to throw darts, be a pool shark like dad and how to think out the next move in Chess. Benny was always trying to teach Gavin and anyone else who’d listen how to be the best at everything you do no matter what that is.
Benny is the person that always has a smile, a one liner/joke or hilarious story for all who would listen. Benny never met a stranger and if you thought you were at first, he could change your mind quickly. His amazing smile, charming personality and witty humor is just part of what makes him memorable and loved by so many. With a “cold one” in hand Benny would want to light up the pit while Amy cooked in the kitchen and Gavin helped prep so they could entertain family and friends or sometimes just the 3 of them alone. Benny loved to be around people, made sure everyone had a great time and laugh but most of all he showed us all just how to love the life you have and cherish it each day.
While Benny was not a member of a particular church, he was a baptized Catholic, a devout Christian and a Believer of Christ. He took comfort especially in his final months knowing that he would be welcomed in Heaven by his Lord and Savior and be whole, cancer free and spend eternity with his loved ones.
Honorary Pallbearers are Manuel Requenes, Roy Vargas, Tommy Pucciarello, David Flores, Denis Knight, and Alex Montemayor.
Benny, Amy, Gavin and the entire family would like to thank:
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center: Dr. Curtis Pettaway and staff who treated and cured Benny of Prostate Cancer in 2014; Dr. Milind Javle, Jacque Weatherly P.A and Nurse Ron and others who treated Benny with determination, dedication, laughter and compassion the last 15 months of his life and gave him 9 beautiful more months than expected.
Houston Hospice: Chaplain Dan for his conversations of music and healing peaceful prayers; the AMAZING Nurse Rebekah D. for her friendship, unconditional love, support, dedication, patience and straightforward care that she showed not only Benny but Amy, Gavin and the entire family the last 5 weeks of Benny’s life.
Benny’s family will receive visitors from 5:00 until 8:00 pm, Monday, April 15, at The Lyceum of Galveston, 24th & Winnie. A service celebrating Benny’s life will begin at 6:30 pm. In honor of Benny and his love of his island, please feel free to dress in your island best, island chic, or Hawaiian style shirt. Dallas Cowboys shirts are welcomed also, as Benny was wearing his when in his final transition from this world.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 16, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. A reception will follow in the St. Patrick Parish Life Center.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please donate to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center or Houston Hospice and/or give blood to The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.
I'm so sorry for your familys loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I personally know the loss of a loved one, and the pain can seem overwhelming. However, I found comfort in the Bible's promise for the future (Acts 24:15) I hope this helps bring some comfort in this time of sorrow.
One of the best people Galveston Island had to offer. Never saw him without that gleaming and happy smile on his face. Huge loss for your family and for the island. The Gottlob Family
i remember Benny well from my b jigger days and Victor also. allways a pleasure to be around. r. i. p. sir
My condolences to the family. Benny will be missed by all.
Brother of Galveston,Friend to All
Via con Dios mi amigo. Godspeed , job well done
My Thoughts and Prayers for the Entire Family durning this very difficult time. Benny is an Angel to care for family and friends from up above. God bless. Rick and Bernie Benavides
My thought and prayer to you and your family. So many good memories. I will never forget how kind person you are to me and friends. Thank you and rest in peace my friend.
In memory of Benito Gilbert "Benny" Salinas Jr., Mary Castro lit a candle
Condolences and prayers for Benny's family and friends. From: Mary A. Castro and family
RIP Benny... Heaven not only gained a great person but one of the greatest bartenders! Fill them glasses and pop those tops!
To the Salinas family, I send my sincere condolences and prayers to assist the healing
So sad. You are gone but never forgotten. Such a beautiful person. But you have received your wings. Rest in peace Benny.
We sincerely are sad for your loss and send our prayers to all the family. Donnie, Stacey and Cory Gottlob
Your light will continue to shine. My deepest condolences to Tia Lupe and family.
So very sorry to hear about Bennt. He alwaya had a smile and kind word for everyone and i know he will surely be missed. Prayers for his family.
Many prayers are being said for Amy, Gavin and you Benny. You are a one of a kind person and we were all so lucky to have known you, spent time with you and always had such a great time! You had a way of making each and every person around you feel so welcome. We all love you and your family very much. Rest in peace sweet fiend. We will always miss you!!
My deepest condolences to the Salinas family . My heart is saddened by Benny's passing I worked with him at B Jiggers He was loved by everyone his beautiful smile and witty personality was what made everyone's day. RIP my friend you will be missed.
You had this gift, dear Benny, of looking in someone’s eyes, listening, and making a person feel as if he/she really mattered. That was part of your magic. Special people own a place in our hearts and you are in our hearts. We miss you and pray comfort and peace for your family. Mike and Jean Cokins
In memory of Benito Gilbert "Benny" Salinas Jr., James Hernandez lit a candle
So sad...great loss...great guy!!! Thoughts and Prayers for the family!!
We have so many happy memories with Benny and his family. So saddened by his passing.
We were devastated to hear about Benny. His family treated us like family when we emigrated to the USA. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest In Peace Benny, you will be greatly missed.
In memory of Benito Gilbert "Benny" Salinas Jr., Libby Waite lit a candle
Benny will be missed by many. I was blessed to know him. My prayers go out to his family. I pray you will find peace knowing he knew where and who would be there waiting for him. Now an angel 4 ever with you. RIP MY FRIEND.
To the family of Benny Salinas, Jr., I am very sorry to hear of Benny's passing. I knew Benny and his brother Victor well from the B. Jigger's days. Please accept my sincere sympathy at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. May Benny rest in eternal peace.
My heart sunk when I saw this. You always made everyone feel special. Sending prayers for peace and comfort for his family and friends! I can see your beautiful smiling face in the heavens. You'll be missed..
I remember surfing with Benny as a teenager and hanging out at the beach awesome days in Galveston ,rest in peace BRO
I still remember as a teenager surfing with Benny hanging out at the beach like it was yesterday,rest in peace Bro
Your spirit lives within all of us blessed to have known you.Thanks for all the great times cooking,swimming,music and partying at the "Compound" Mikey,Val,Robin,Maki,Kim,Harold Cullen and Bo Bo.
Our sorrow goes out to you Amy & Gavin. We had great times with Benny, Sonia, & the Salinas Family. He always had a beautiful & warm smile. Welcoming into the House. May the Lord keep You in his Prayers!! Debbie & Charlie Arespe
Benny, all of will have memories of you. RIP and see you on the other side.
Our condolences to the Salinas family. You are now in the hands of our Lord and Savior, with no more pain but the Peace of Psalm 91 God Bless your wife and son and the family. For one day we will all be together again. Michael Varela Sr. And familia 🌹🌹🌹🌹♥️♥️♥️♥️😇😇😇😇
In memory of Benito Gilbert "Benny" Salinas Jr., Amanda Love lit a candle
My heart broke when I heard of Bennie’s passing. I remember when my mom worked at the Holiday Inn when I was a very little girl, I would go to the bar when Bennie was setting up and he would make me a Shirley Temple with all the flourish and fancy of a real cocktail. He was always very kind to me and my mom thought the world of him.
Sincere condolences for you and your family. May God's perfect peace cover you. And God's Love surround you always. 💜
Beautiful words for a man I never had the privilege of meeting. Praying for God to comfort Amy and Gavin during this difficult time. My condolences to the family.
saddened and grieving in this solemn time for our bud and his sorrowed family.
Benny was such a kind man and wonderful boss, co-worker and friend. We hold a special place in our hearts for Benny’s role in our lives. Our sincerest condolences to the Salinas family who always welcomed us with open arms on New Years Eve and at family gatherings. Benny, we will see you again friend. Godspeed.
I am absolutely heartbroken at the loss of Benny. I am so glad that I got to know him through my best girlfriend Amy. Thank you, Benny for welcoming us into your home and always being kind to my Johnny. He’ll miss playing pool with his buddy. I hope that wherever you are the beer is cold and the music is right. We’ll remember you always. Love you, man.
Gone but not forgotten. Always a smile and happy to see you... Celeste Mileski
Sending my love and prayers to Benny’s family. I went to school with him and was always happy to see him at B’Jiggers. He was loved by many! ❤️ Rest In Peace Benny ❤️
What a great guy. I worked with him at Holiday Inn. Everyone loved him. The customers and employees .
I will never forget all the Sunday afternoons hanging out at Bennies apartment by the pool with plenty of bbq and cold beer and I felt like I was part of the family of many close friends that lived there and came over. Bennie made me feel welcome as he did everyone else and always made sure I had a cold one in my hand. He had a big heart and I will never forget him or his kindness. He was a special guy that always thought of others and I will miss his friendship as many others probably will too. Rest in peace bro
Condolences to the family. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
From the Acosta family! Your cousins primo , Linda Acosta, Albert Acosta, Maricela Acosta, especially from your aunt Rita Acosta May you rest in heaven with the angels
God Bless the family during this difficult time. Rest easy Benny
I worked on the front desk at Holiday Inn at the Beach and we loved when Mike used to give us permission to go in to B Jiggers. Benny, Victor & Ted made it fun! I’m so sad to hear this news. But in Christian belief, Benny is well now. My condolences to his family.
Amy, Gavin and the entire Salinas family. Benny was a kind and loving person. He will missed by all who knew him. Take comfort in knowing he is pain free and his body is wholesome again. Benny has been granted eternal life in heaven and we hope to see his smiling face again when our time on earth is up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Popovich family Danny and Debbie
Condolences and prayers to the family.
I will always remember ur warm smile& how u made me feel, like the friend that was always there !!.... My heart is filled with sadness...... U will be greatly missed !!! U will never be forgotten !!...., Condolences to the family ....., XOXO ❤️Gigi Farrell
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Benny is now at peace and no longer in pain. He will definitely be missed.
I will always miss my cousin who always had the biggest smile and so funny ! Love you primo ! You are in my prayers until we meet again!
...for the good times
Gods peace be with your family and loved ones, sad knowing yet another BOI has left this earth for a better place
I only really new him from opposite sides of the bar but he always did it right . Made you feel welcome and appreciated. RIP my bro
Beautifully said , my thoughts & prayers are with your family.
Date: Monday, April 15, 2019
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Time: 10:00 am
November 30, 2008
Our thoughts remain with you and your family. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
—The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations
I'm so sorry for your familys loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I personally know the loss of a loved one, and the pain can seem overwhelming. However, I found comfort in the Bible's promise for the future (Acts 24:15) I hope this helps bring some comfort in this time of sorrow.
One of the best people Galveston Island had to offer. Never saw him without that gleaming and happy smile on his face. Huge loss for your family and for the island. The Gottlob Family
i remember Benny well from my b jigger days and Victor also. allways a pleasure to be around. r. i. p. sir
My condolences to the family. Benny will be missed by all.
Brother of Galveston,Friend to All
Via con Dios mi amigo. Godspeed , job well done
My Thoughts and Prayers for the Entire Family durning this very difficult time. Benny is an Angel to care for family and friends from up above. God bless. Rick and Bernie Benavides
My thought and prayer to you and your family. So many good memories. I will never forget how kind person you are to me and friends. Thank you and rest in peace my friend.
In memory of Benito Gilbert "Benny" Salinas Jr., Mary Castro lit a candle
Condolences and prayers for Benny's family and friends. From: Mary A. Castro and family
RIP Benny... Heaven not only gained a great person but one of the greatest bartenders! Fill them glasses and pop those tops!
To the Salinas family, I send my sincere condolences and prayers to assist the healing
So sad. You are gone but never forgotten. Such a beautiful person. But you have received your wings. Rest in peace Benny.
We sincerely are sad for your loss and send our prayers to all the family. Donnie, Stacey and Cory Gottlob
Your light will continue to shine. My deepest condolences to Tia Lupe and family.
So very sorry to hear about Bennt. He alwaya had a smile and kind word for everyone and i know he will surely be missed. Prayers for his family.
Many prayers are being said for Amy, Gavin and you Benny. You are a one of a kind person and we were all so lucky to have known you, spent time with you and always had such a great time! You had a way of making each and every person around you feel so welcome. We all love you and your family very much. Rest in peace sweet fiend. We will always miss you!!
My deepest condolences to the Salinas family . My heart is saddened by Benny's passing I worked with him at B Jiggers He was loved by everyone his beautiful smile and witty personality was what made everyone's day. RIP my friend you will be missed.
You had this gift, dear Benny, of looking in someone’s eyes, listening, and making a person feel as if he/she really mattered. That was part of your magic. Special people own a place in our hearts and you are in our hearts. We miss you and pray comfort and peace for your family. Mike and Jean Cokins
In memory of Benito Gilbert "Benny" Salinas Jr., James Hernandez lit a candle
So sad...great loss...great guy!!! Thoughts and Prayers for the family!!
We have so many happy memories with Benny and his family. So saddened by his passing.
We were devastated to hear about Benny. His family treated us like family when we emigrated to the USA. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest In Peace Benny, you will be greatly missed.
In memory of Benito Gilbert "Benny" Salinas Jr., Libby Waite lit a candle
Benny will be missed by many. I was blessed to know him. My prayers go out to his family. I pray you will find peace knowing he knew where and who would be there waiting for him. Now an angel 4 ever with you. RIP MY FRIEND.
To the family of Benny Salinas, Jr., I am very sorry to hear of Benny's passing. I knew Benny and his brother Victor well from the B. Jigger's days. Please accept my sincere sympathy at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. May Benny rest in eternal peace.
My heart sunk when I saw this. You always made everyone feel special. Sending prayers for peace and comfort for his family and friends! I can see your beautiful smiling face in the heavens. You'll be missed..
I remember surfing with Benny as a teenager and hanging out at the beach awesome days in Galveston ,rest in peace BRO
I still remember as a teenager surfing with Benny hanging out at the beach like it was yesterday,rest in peace Bro
Your spirit lives within all of us blessed to have known you.Thanks for all the great times cooking,swimming,music and partying at the "Compound" Mikey,Val,Robin,Maki,Kim,Harold Cullen and Bo Bo.
Our sorrow goes out to you Amy & Gavin. We had great times with Benny, Sonia, & the Salinas Family. He always had a beautiful & warm smile. Welcoming into the House. May the Lord keep You in his Prayers!! Debbie & Charlie Arespe
Benny, all of will have memories of you. RIP and see you on the other side.
Our condolences to the Salinas family. You are now in the hands of our Lord and Savior, with no more pain but the Peace of Psalm 91 God Bless your wife and son and the family. For one day we will all be together again. Michael Varela Sr. And familia 🌹🌹🌹🌹♥️♥️♥️♥️😇😇😇😇
In memory of Benito Gilbert "Benny" Salinas Jr., Amanda Love lit a candle
My heart broke when I heard of Bennie’s passing. I remember when my mom worked at the Holiday Inn when I was a very little girl, I would go to the bar when Bennie was setting up and he would make me a Shirley Temple with all the flourish and fancy of a real cocktail. He was always very kind to me and my mom thought the world of him.
Sincere condolences for you and your family. May God's perfect peace cover you. And God's Love surround you always. 💜
Beautiful words for a man I never had the privilege of meeting. Praying for God to comfort Amy and Gavin during this difficult time. My condolences to the family.
saddened and grieving in this solemn time for our bud and his sorrowed family.
Benny was such a kind man and wonderful boss, co-worker and friend. We hold a special place in our hearts for Benny’s role in our lives. Our sincerest condolences to the Salinas family who always welcomed us with open arms on New Years Eve and at family gatherings. Benny, we will see you again friend. Godspeed.
I am absolutely heartbroken at the loss of Benny. I am so glad that I got to know him through my best girlfriend Amy. Thank you, Benny for welcoming us into your home and always being kind to my Johnny. He’ll miss playing pool with his buddy. I hope that wherever you are the beer is cold and the music is right. We’ll remember you always. Love you, man.
Gone but not forgotten. Always a smile and happy to see you... Celeste Mileski
Sending my love and prayers to Benny’s family. I went to school with him and was always happy to see him at B’Jiggers. He was loved by many! ❤️ Rest In Peace Benny ❤️
What a great guy. I worked with him at Holiday Inn. Everyone loved him. The customers and employees .
I will never forget all the Sunday afternoons hanging out at Bennies apartment by the pool with plenty of bbq and cold beer and I felt like I was part of the family of many close friends that lived there and came over. Bennie made me feel welcome as he did everyone else and always made sure I had a cold one in my hand. He had a big heart and I will never forget him or his kindness. He was a special guy that always thought of others and I will miss his friendship as many others probably will too. Rest in peace bro
Condolences to the family. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
From the Acosta family! Your cousins primo , Linda Acosta, Albert Acosta, Maricela Acosta, especially from your aunt Rita Acosta May you rest in heaven with the angels
God Bless the family during this difficult time. Rest easy Benny
I worked on the front desk at Holiday Inn at the Beach and we loved when Mike used to give us permission to go in to B Jiggers. Benny, Victor & Ted made it fun! I’m so sad to hear this news. But in Christian belief, Benny is well now. My condolences to his family.
Amy, Gavin and the entire Salinas family. Benny was a kind and loving person. He will missed by all who knew him. Take comfort in knowing he is pain free and his body is wholesome again. Benny has been granted eternal life in heaven and we hope to see his smiling face again when our time on earth is up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Popovich family Danny and Debbie
Condolences and prayers to the family.
I will always remember ur warm smile& how u made me feel, like the friend that was always there !!.... My heart is filled with sadness...... U will be greatly missed !!! U will never be forgotten !!...., Condolences to the family ....., XOXO ❤️Gigi Farrell
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Benny is now at peace and no longer in pain. He will definitely be missed.
I will always miss my cousin who always had the biggest smile and so funny ! Love you primo ! You are in my prayers until we meet again!
...for the good times
Gods peace be with your family and loved ones, sad knowing yet another BOI has left this earth for a better place
I only really new him from opposite sides of the bar but he always did it right . Made you feel welcome and appreciated. RIP my bro
Beautifully said , my thoughts & prayers are with your family.
Malloy Funerals & Cremations
Our thoughts remain with you and your family. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
—The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations