Gaspar Benítez, Jr.

Gaspar Benítez, Jr., 65, of New Haven, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at Yale-New Haven Hospital, St. Raphael Campus on Friday, February 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Gaspar was born in New York City on March 3, 1960. He moved with his family to Connecticut at an early age. He was a graduate of Eli Whitney Technical High School with a degree in manufacturing. Gaspar joined the Pratt & Whitney group and worked in North Haven, Southington and Middletown plants for over thirty three years. He was well respected by his co-workers who playfully called him "The Big Dog." He took an early retirement in 2015. Gaspar was also known for his loving heart and infectious smile and laughter. He was an avid sports fan, and often donned apparel of the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Mets, the Connecticut Sun, and his favorite, the UConn Women's Basketball Team.

He will be truly missed by his family and friends. Gaspar leaves behind his loving wife of over twenty years Deacon Janice Benítez, brothers, Michael Benítez-Ortega, and René Benítez, all of New Haven, his half-brother Gaspar Benítez of Tijuana, México, and his sister Martha (David) Sugrue of Naples, Florida, along with many nieces and nephews who truly loved his kind and generous soul. Gaspar was predeceased by his loving parents, Gaspar and Iraida Benítez-Ortega of East Haven, Connecticut. 

Gaspar will be laid to rest with his parents in Naples, Florida. A celebration of life will be held in late spring. The Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven has been entrusted with arrangements. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com 

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