Louis Benevides

Louis “Benny” Benevides passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Born in Dighton, Massachusetts, Benny was one of nine children born to William and Gladys Benevides. He proudly left Massachusetts to serve his country in the United States Air Force, stationed at Homestead Air Force Base. Following his military service, Benny attended the University of Miami and became a Certified Public Accountant. In 1972, Benny settled in Sebring, Florida, where he built a life rooted in service, integrity, and community. For more than five decades, he was a steadfast advocate for the people of Highlands County, serving with dedication and quiet strength until 2025. Benny was an active member of several fraternal organizations, including the Eagles, the Moose, and Rotary. Known for his generosity and kind spirit, he was a benefactor to many and will be remembered as a man who loved to laugh, play jokes on friends, and bring lightness wherever he went. A lifelong Miami Dolphins and Hurricanes superfan—dating back to the Orange Bowl days—Benny found joy in sports, travel, and time spent with loved ones. He and his beloved wife, Carol, shared many adventures together, traveling everywhere from the Florida Keys to Las Vegas. In later years, following medical complications, their greatest joy became family cruises and time spent together. Benny was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Eddie; his brothers-in-law, Gary and Danny; and in 2018, by the love of his life, his wife, Carol. He is survived by seven siblings: Bill (Jan) Benevides, Mary Sylvia, Toni Gley, Bob Benevides, Gladys Mitchell, John Benevides, and Joyce Moore. He also leaves behind his three daughters, Elizabeth (Bobby) Wright, Rebecca (Anthony) Benevides, and Christina Benevides, his devoted caretaker. He is also survived by the apple of his eye, his granddaughter Sarah (Jerry) Shugart, whom he raised as his own daughter. Benny leaves behind his cherished stepsons, Richard (Lynn) Colicci and Thomas (Meribeth) Colicci; his beloved grandchildren, Katherine Noonon, Richard Colicci III, Kelsey Colicci, Madison Spires, and Alexandria Wright; and four great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored deeply. Benny will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31, 2026, at the Moose Lodge in Sebring, Florida, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Benny’s memory to the Humane Society of Highlands County

Louis Benevides

December 28, 1943 - December 11, 2025