Antonio “Tony” Benavides
Age 84, of Lansing, MI, passed away with his beloved family by his side April 10, 2022. Tony was born May 5, 1937, in San Vicente, Mexico, to Jesus and Maria Benavides.
Tony’s family came from Mexico in 1952 to become a part of the Lansing community. Tony’s parents set high expectations for their children, reinforcing these expectations with personal attributes of honesty, respect, personal pride, community participation and commitment. Tony stood by these principals always.
Tony graduated from Sexton High School and attended Lansing Community College and Lansing Business College. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in public administration and management. Tony served as the executive director at Cristo Rey Community Center for 33 years, serving the needs of our Hispanic and the greater Lansing community. He went on to proudly serve as Lansing’s 3rd Ward Councilmen for 22 years and in 2003 he was given the highest honor – serving as Lansing first Hispanic Mayor. As Mayor, Tony worked tirelessly to provide and improve social services to the citizens of Lansing. His calling in life was to serve the public, the community and all of those in need; he spearheaded numerous initiatives and programs.
Tony celebrated his Catholic faith at St. Mary Cathedral, giving thanks to God for all his blessings.
Tony’s dedication as a long-time public servant earned him numerous awards and accolades over the years. He also sat on multiple boards and commissions for many organizations, including Sparrow Hospital, National Conference of Catholic Charities, United Way, and Hospice of Lansing.
Tony loved and adored his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carmen; 4 children, Sandra (Andrew) Reisz, Carmen (Mark) Dziewit, Ricardo (Cynthia) Benavides, Eduardo (Angela) Benavides; 7 grandchildren, Michelle, Michael (Amanda), Erin, Milan, Johann, Leonardo and Casimiro; 5 great-grandchildren, Viviana, James, Vincent, Oliver and Lila; sisters, Helen Maysonet and Virginia Flores; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Rodolfo Benavides, David Benavides, Ofilia Reyner and Hector Benavides.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI. The Rite of Committal will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. His family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20th at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.
Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com
38 Messages to “Antonio “Tony” Benavides”
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Noe Alvarado
April 11, 2022 at 2:05 pmWhat a great man! Tony was an inspiration to all especially to the Hispanic community. He led with compassion, sincerity, humility and purpose. He always looked out for the less fortunate. A man of little stature stood tall with the best of them. Tony epitomized what it truly means to be a public servant. In this day in age when a lot of people serve with only their self interests in mind Tony served with no self interest but rather the interest of community as a whole. I am proud of the example he gave to us and I hope we are better because he was in our lives I know I am. We will miss you Tony God Bless and Rest in Peace
Katherine Cusick
April 11, 2022 at 4:33 pmMy prayers and condolences to the Benavides Family.
Gilberto Guevara
April 11, 2022 at 5:17 pmI remember Mr. Benavides as a little man in height but carried a big voice as mayor in Lansing.
During my many visits to Lansing regarding the Latinos conferences, he was always at the forefront of speaking to advance Latino issues. Coming from Saginaw, it was always pleasant to be in his presence, with his greets and a big smile. My prayers and condolences to his family.
Guillermo Z Lopez
April 11, 2022 at 5:23 pmTony was and will continue be an icon in the Lansing community. His work as Exe. Director of Cristo Rey Community Center, as a Lansing City Councilman, and as Mayor of Lansing touched many lives. May he Rest in Peace and may Carmen be blessed for the loving care she gave Tony.
I am honored to have been his friend and collaborator.
Eduardo (Eddie) Guerrero
April 12, 2022 at 8:47 amUnlike the majority of you, you met or dealt with Tony in the political arena. I on the other hand met Tony while serving a “LIFE” sentence inside the walls of Jackson Prison. I met him in 1977, 6 years after being incarcerated, having entered prison one week after my 17th birthday. He and group of other Hispanic Leaders reach out to the Hispanic Prisoners offering their hand of guidance and encouragement encouraging us to be better men. Clearly Tony seen something in me I hadn’t seen in myself. I began to strive to become a better man, helping to work with the Hispanic prisoners trying to offer them direction in their lives.
Tony went beyond the call of duty and worked with every political contact he had attempting to work to gain my freedom, stayed active despite his ill health at times. The whole time encouraging me to grow as a man mentally as well as spiritually, and as a Hispanic leader in the prison community. While incarcerated I ran and developed many programs for prisoners, I completed my bachelor’s degree with honors, and by the grace of God I have been a free man for just over four years. I served 47 years in prison, and will soon be 68 years old. everyone should know, after meeting Tony in 1977 the man never abandoned me. Then when I was finally given my Public Hearing to determine if I would be released in November 2017, despite being pushed in a wheel chair by his dedicated wife Carmen, Tony testified on my behalf and played a key role in my being released, April 03, 2018.
There was nothing political about the Tony I learned to know and love. I thanked God everyday for Tony being in my life. I feel blessed I was able to visit him in home after my release several times. Through his efforts to help me, I remained sane in a prison world full of hate and madness and destruction. Thank God for Tony!
Today, I work for a Non-Profit organization, and reach out to assist the homeless individuals in Muskegon, Michigan locate housing. My job is difficult, though I attempt to put further the same sharing and caring I watched Tony give to me.
May the Lord welcome one of his newest angels in heaven. Tony I will continue to make you proud!
Michelle
April 14, 2022 at 6:16 pmThank you so much for sharing this story! This is such a pure testament to the man my Grandfather was. Although I witnessed many times his “open door” policy at home, as well as his after hours dedication to anyone who needed help, I never knew this about him. No one was ever a lost cause to him and that has always been an inspiration to me. He was a man of great faith AND integrity. He truly lived to serve and make this world a better place for ALL people. Thank you so much for sharing this story it really means a lot to me.
God bless.
Daniel Palacios
April 12, 2022 at 1:35 pmTony we will miss you.
Suzanne Marie Moore
April 12, 2022 at 4:42 pmTo the Benavides Family: May your cherished memories of this great man bring you comfort and may knowing that he is in God’s loving embrace give you peace. He served God, the Citizens of Lansing and genuinely cared about the employees. He made many contributions to the city. Heaven truly received an angel.
Patty Farhat
April 12, 2022 at 8:13 pmI have such fond memories of Mayor Tony. He was an outstanding man who touched many lives.
He is home with the Lord, joyfully delighting with all of his family and friends that have gone before him.
A beautiful soul, full of love and faith; he will forever remain in my heart. Most sincere condolences to all of you.
Thank you, Carmen, for sharing Tony with all of us.
Marcial (Roy) Y Sarah Hernandez
April 12, 2022 at 11:56 pmSending our sincere condolences to Carmen and the Benavides familia. May Tony Rest In Peace.
dhr
April 13, 2022 at 11:12 amOur family remembers Tony with great fondness. He was respected greatly by my husband Dr. Pedro Rivera, who found a champion in him for medical care to the community, Latino and non Latino. He was a friend to the humble leader Cesar E. Chavez of UFW fame and us, the common folk with no fame, no power but always sought to hear our voice. En paz descanse Tony Benavides, a radical disciple in Christ ¡presente!
Joe Garcia
April 13, 2022 at 4:00 pmMy sincere condolences to Carmen and the Benavides children, and extended family for your loss. I will always admire Tony for his insight, kindness, and selflessness; he treated everyone as a friend. When Tony led Cristo Rey Community Center, it was in its renaissance. A great man like no other.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Ken Canady
April 13, 2022 at 4:09 pmMr Mayor, on behalf of Johnsie Canady my mother, we thank you for the kindness you shown her and the supported you displayed during her time at Cristo Rey Center. May Heaven rejoice upon your arrival. Sincerely Ken Canady.
Kim Whaley Cantu
April 13, 2022 at 4:57 pmMy condolences to Carmen and his entire family.
David D Dickson Jr
April 13, 2022 at 6:03 pmCondolences to Carmen and Family. May God comfort, bring you peace and heal your sorrows during this time and forever more.
Rest in peace Mayor Benavides.
Julie Secontine
April 13, 2022 at 6:04 pmI first met Tony when he worked for Schmidt’s grocery and remember that he was so kind to me and my young friends. Later I had the pleasure of meeting his beautiful daughters Carmen and Sandy at Dwight Rich Jr. High. It came as no surprise that his daughters were as lovely and sweet as their father. Later, I came to know Tony and his smiling wife Carmen through my sister Debbie and her husband Horacio Vargas. I always loved seeing Tony and Carmen. They were sincere people with great smiles and a ready laugh. The world was a better place because of Tony and he leaves behind such an incredibly loving family. My sincere condolences on your loss to all the Benavides family. All my love, Julie Chapman Secontine.
Clyde Smith
April 13, 2022 at 6:31 pmI’m praying for the Benavides Family right now. Thank you Carmen for sharing this wonderful man to the City of Lansing. Mayor Benavides was truly a Loving, Giving and a Man that loved his City. Tony could relate and speak to a Diverse Population. He truly cared about all that he met. I count myself blessed in knowing him. If more people could be like Tony, we’d be a Great City. Love you Tony.
Tim Barron
April 14, 2022 at 9:40 amMr. B was good to me at a time it was not so popular to be..Much respect sir and RIP. Thank you.
Mark M Murray
April 14, 2022 at 1:54 pmDear Carmen and Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Tony. There are so many wonderful memories of the times you both spent with my mom and dad! You both were the steadying force behind mom after dad passed. RIP my friend. You and Carmen will always be in my prayers. I also know Tony, Sandy, and Ron will be forever watching over us from above.
Sonia Moreno
April 14, 2022 at 8:43 pmDear Carmen and family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of Tony. We cherish many fond memories of our visits to Lansing. Times spent with Uncle Tony and family, the many laughs, stories he shared are memorable in our minds and hearts. Tony was a man of great respect and honor. He lived to help others. His caring heart and passion to do the right thing surely will live on in his family and Aunt Carmen. Our love and prayers to you all. Tony is in a better place resting with the Lord. By faith we will see him again. Sincerely, Gerardo and Sonia Moreno
Ruth Reyes Erwin
April 15, 2022 at 6:30 amThe message from Eddie Guerrero says almost everything about Tony. Always available having faith in people. He and his wife Carmen were role Models for my daughter’s at Sexton and programs within the community. Thank you for your lifelong service to this community.
Dave Jackson
April 15, 2022 at 8:02 amI met Tony when we worked together at Schmidts at Logan center in 1968. He was a great work friend. Oh, he did so much good for people.
Erica and Rene Saldivar
April 15, 2022 at 10:21 amMayor Benavides married my husband and I at Frances Park in 2004. We were so proud to have him officiate our wedding. It was like be married by a local celebrity! He was so generous and kind to make our day so special. We are very sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
joey latterman
April 15, 2022 at 3:21 pmAny time I met Tony, it was like a breath of fresh air! The joy in his heart for life would always just shine right into mine. I am so indebted to Tony for his kindness towards Mark when he was dealing with all of the city of Lansing issues. Regardless on what side they started out on, they would amiably reach a sensible outcome. Politics did not divide them. Tony always acted like the sun was shining on his side of the street! He truly cared about doing the right thing for people. Our community was so blessed to have him in whatever role he chose to play.
Thank you Carmen and family for helping him greet each day with such vigor! I wish you all support and love, especially in this next year.
Ron and Sylvia Hatcher
April 15, 2022 at 5:13 pmTony Benavides was a giant of a man, loving, caring and compassionate. He gave with his whole heart, in everything he did. Our condolences to Carmen and the family. He will be missed.
Carol Cruz
April 17, 2022 at 12:08 amMy sincere condolences to the Benavides family. My late husband, Tony Cruz, was so proud when Tony Benavides was elected mayor of Lansing. I feel certain they are rejoicing together and talking over old times.
Víctor e Yvonne Caamal Canul
April 17, 2022 at 6:57 pmCon todo corazón mandamos nuestros más sinceros pésames por la pérdida de un gran hombre. Tony y Carmen, juntos, siempre han sido un modelo ejemplar de lo que significa servicio al pueblo. Seguro que Tony continuará este servicio al lado de Dios. Abrazo fuerte y cariñoso para Carmen.
Mario Berlanga
April 17, 2022 at 7:50 pmI love you so much uncle Tony. Thank you for everything you did for me! I’m going to miss you.
Imelda & Bernardo Servantes
April 18, 2022 at 7:50 amOur Sincere Condolences and Prayers to our Madrina Carmen and Family.. our Padrino Tony was one of a kind. Madrina and Padrino have been My Padrinos since my Quinceanera and then gave us the pleasure of being there for us on our Wedding Day Truly a Blessing ….Rest In Paradise Padrino
Michael A Cole
April 18, 2022 at 11:24 pmTony Benavides believed in me and I trusted him. What a beautiful man, my heart is broken. Our faith teaches us to be absent from the body is to be present with our lord. I’m claiming that for Tony. Our condolences to the Benavidez’s family.
Margarita Pereida Lira
April 19, 2022 at 9:30 amSending my condolences to Carmen and all the Family. Tony was a great man and his legacy will live on. His hard work for all will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace Tony.
Patricia Villarreal
April 19, 2022 at 11:32 amI have known you both, Carmen and Tony since we were teenagers. Geno and I had such wonderful times together with you. It really doesn’t seem like that long ago. There are so many special memories. Memories of our weddings, of Tony and you becoming the Godparents of Sylvia, and many more. Geno, Sylvia, Debra, and Natalie so enjoyed attending the Cesar Chavez events over the years and talking with Tony. What a great loss Tony is for me, to my family, and for the entire community.
Mary and Doug Clark
April 20, 2022 at 11:55 amCondolences to the Benavides family, we are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing he is at peace in heaven. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg 'G.K." Martin
April 20, 2022 at 5:47 pmMayor Tony was a great kind man who cared very deeply about the citizens of Lansing. If the world was half as kind and caring as Tony we would all be richer for it. I was privileged to serve as LFD Fire Chief while Tony was on council and later as Mayor. He helped LFD build bridges with the Hispanic community and resulted in a more diverse fire department.
I always appreciated his insight and his counsel on issues as well his great sense of humor and friendship. Tony had a life well lived, one of service to the community and loved by all.
Rest in peace Mayor.
Greg “G.K.” Martin LFD Chief Retired 1996-2006
Kimberly Waters
April 20, 2022 at 6:16 pmSending my condolences to carmen and the family. Rest in peace Antonio “Tony” Benavides.
Santiago & Melissa Rios
April 21, 2022 at 10:08 amOur most heartful condolences to Carmen and the entire family. Tony was a man of character and honor. He always acted in love, peace and unity. He selflessly worked hard for everyone in need and was a constant inspiration for others to be better and to serve the community. He will be missed but his legacy and memory will live forever in our hearts.
Deborah Rivas
April 21, 2022 at 11:22 amTony and Carmen have been like family for years and years. My deepest heart felt condolences to the entire Benevides Family. My grandparents Julio and Dorothy Pereida worked with Tony at Cristo Rey Community Center on High Street. The Latino community has lost a hard fighting Advocate that we were proud to see become Lansings’ first Latino Mayor. Carmen may your beautiful memories of your life together comfort you in this time of grief. Know that you and Tony will forever be loved by us all!
Ellen Holden-Hufnagel
May 6, 2022 at 9:39 amTony made it happen. When my mother and I were stranded and on the missing persons list in Cancun following hurricane Wilma, with the help of family members organized an air ambulance to fly down and pick up my mother, Guadalupe (Orta) Besonen. During the evacuation she had fallen and had a compressed hip fracture, making it impossible for us to go into shelter. Thank you Tony for what you did for my mom and I as well as the Lansing community.