Mark Christian Benavidez Jr

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, Mark Christian Benavidez Jr, loving son, grandson and brother, passed away at the age of 30 in Albuquerque, NM. 

Mark came into our world as an unwavering light on June 19, 1993 in Albuquerque, NM to Jeanetta Martin and Mark Benavidez. His bright smile and loving heart made him loved by everyone in our family. Mark grew up in Socorro, NM and then moved to Albuquerque, NM after he graduated high school and attended CNM. Mark was one of the lucky few who was good at almost everything he did, so he had a variety of interests. In his childhood, Mark participated in a variety of sports and loved to attend the drag races with his dad and his brothers every summer. He was a gifted mechanic and enjoyed working on his car and his motorcycle. Mark was a devout fan of both the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Bears and enjoyed collecting jerseys from several teams and players across different leagues. Mark also maintained an envious collection of Jordans, Air Force Ones, and custom baseball style caps that were part of his signature style. Mark was known for his love for Chuck Taylor shoes and was often called “Chuckz” by his close friends. 

Mark is preceded in death by his grandfather, US Army Sergeant Major William James Martin, his aunt, Cindy Martin and his childhood dog, Osa. He is survived by his father, Mark Benavidez and his wife Joan, his mother Jeanetta (Martin) Salazar and her husband Adrian, his paternal grandfather Isaac Benavidez and his paternal grandmother Ramona Romero and her husband Henry, maternal grandmother Kimberly Cedillo, two brothers—William “Billy” Benavidez and Lorenzo “L.J.” Benavidez, many aunts and uncles and beloved cousins. 

A private Celebration of Life will take place on June 8^th, 2024. Details will be announced soon on Mark’s social media accounts.