Bennie Soto Sr.

Bennie Soto Sr., 91, entered in to Eternal Life on May 20, 2022. Bennie was born on April 3, 1931 in La Junta, Colorado to the union of Mariana Alvarez Soto and Cayetano Soto who preceded him in death along with his beautiful wife of 48 years Victoria Morales Soto, siblings Ramona, Vicky, Jenny, Mercy, Tony, and Bascillio.

Bennie  is survived by his children Bennie Jr (Cantita), Rita (Manuel), Anthony (Tammy), Michael (Barbara), Carla (Tony), Carlos (Jackie). Also survived by his brother, Marcello (Sadie) Soto and numerous grandchildren,  great grandchildren,  and great great grandchildren. 

The family moved to Avondale where he attended the elementary school. In elementary his teacher asked him his name. Benito he said. The teacher told him your name is now Bennie. So he went home and told his Dad Cayetano that the teacher had changed his name. So Cayetano was pleased because he had an American name. He used the name Bennie from then on.

Bennie joined the Army in 1952 where he was stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco,  California.  He stayed there the duration of his enlistment until he was volunteered to participate in the Nuclear test bombings in the Nevada Desert. Upshot-Knothole was the name of the test.

After completing the tests he returned to the Presidio where he sent for Victoria Morales and they married at Saint Thomas the Apostle  Catholic Church. They had a son born at the Presidio hospital.  At the end of his enlistment they returned to Avondale. There Bennie built the family home where he and Vicky raised 6 children.

He was employed by the Pueblo Army Depot  where he worked for 33 years before his retirement. 

Back in the day Bennie was an avid softball player. He was a great Catcher. He also played basketball and volleyball for fun. In the later years Bennie and Vicky enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren compete in various sports. He was often seen at the ball fields watching the ball games.

Bennie and Vicky loved to fish, often going to San Isabel to spend over night in their camper.  He never failed to catch a fish even when no one else caught one. We all left with another great memory. He was proud of his family. He loved all his children. 

The Soto family would like to thank all who came to see our Dad in his final days. You made his day! We would also like to thank the staff at the Villa, Pueblo Pavillion.  Special thanks to Brittney who made sure we had access to our Dad, and to Jackie who went out of her way to make sure Dad was comfortable and well taken care of. Also to Tammy, who worked to make sure Dad stayed where he was. We thank you all. The Soto Family.