RINCON, BENNY

July 18, 1932 – January 1, 2021

Born Gilberto Benny Rincon – Everyone knew him as Benny.

At the age of 88, the much-loved husband of Linda Rincon (50-years of marriage), loving father of four children, Yvonne Rincon-Contreras (Albert Contreras), Cheryl Rincon-Melcher (Vincent Melcher), John Rincon and Daniel "Danny" Rincon (Shereé Rincon), and brother of Dora Bracamonte, passed away on January 1, 2021.

Predeceased by Father Bertoldo Rincon, Mother Erlinda Quiroz-Rincon, Brother Bert Rincon, and Brother Henry Rincon

Beloved "Grumpa" to thirteen Grandchildren, 8 Great-Grandchildren and numerous Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews.

FAMILY

Benny was a devoted family man and son. He visited his mother (Lil' Grandma) every Sunday at 11:00 AM to enjoy conversation, watch a little television and enjoy the best refried beans in Tucson, until she passed. Without skipping a beat, he continued his weekly visits to spend time with his brother, Henry. His dedication to his daughters was also evident. When they moved to Mesa as young girls, he never missed a weekend or a Summer to pick them up and bring them to Tucson to visit. They meant the world to him.

Message from Linda:

Hi Babe, Well, we are all disappointed that you didn't make it home for 2021 as God had other plans and called you home to him. I will join you with some of my ashes when God seems fit to do so. Until then, keep our baby girl (Dazey) on your lap and Bonnie, Lucy and Snoopy by your side.

I love you Babe, and always will.

Message from Yvonne:

Dad, I miss hearing your voice and spending time with you! Thank you for being YOU! Your ways were gentle and caring. You always wanted the best for us! I know that you loved us!

Some of my favorite memories : the fragrant gardenias & roses you grew, the tetherball set you got us for Christmas, taking us to Lil Grama's for the best bean burros. Going to the record store, helping Cheryl & I choose 2 of the latest hits-45 rpm records to dance to at Lil Grama's, & playing American Bandstand with our cousins. Protecting me from the older boy at the swimming pool.  Going with you to Hi-Corbet Field and watching you play baseball, then going out afterwards to hang out with the Team families, allowing us to just be kids. Cheese pizzas from Mama Louisa's and Lucky Wishbone take-out. Walking me down the aisle to be given in marriage to Albert. Hearing you chuckle when I shared stories about my family in Denver. You would ask about how Gabe was doing in Sports, and if Alden & Mia's favorite foods were still beans & tortillas. Sharing the fruit & labors of your Green Thumb; citrus, and various kinds of chiles, especially chile tepines. (better than any store-bought products). Rhiannon inherited your green thumb! The good times when we would get together, sharing a good meal and playing either Scrabble or Mexican Train Dominoes. I loved walking Dazey with you & hearing about the desert animals you saw – a quail family or javelina. Cruises & time spent in San Diego, Tucson, Pinetop & Denver.  Hearing about your childhood adventures. You were So Brave to get a total knee replacement at 88, and you looked forward to getting the PT that would get You back to a normal.

You Loved watching any kind of Sport in person or on TV. Playing Golf with Your Buddies, Eegee's frozen slushy. Adding chile to just about everything you ate (the spicier, the better, even to the point of sweat coming down your forehead). Taking care of your yard & garden. Having Dazey by your side. Spending time with Family & Friends. Thank You for showing me that the Simple Pleasures in Life are not in "Having Things", but in enjoying good food, being around good company and either watching or playing a good game.

I'm Proud to be Your Daughter!  You are in Our Hearts Forever! We Love You!

Message from Cheryl:

Dad, we were always in awe of you and so proud of your accomplishments. It's the little things in life that Vince and I cherish with you like visits to Tucson, Pinetop, ocean cruises, and so many memories that we will never forget. Oh, and the Scrabble games we loved! We are so profoundly saddened that you are gone now but rejoice knowing how lucky we have been to have a Dad like you. I know now you are with Henry, Bert, Dazey, and all your loved ones who preceded you, with no pain or aliments that age can bring us. We love you and God bless you.

Message from Danny:

Dad, you've been gone only days and when reflecting on all the memories you have left us, I quickly realized that it would take years to count them. You will always be my hero and the man that I measure everything against. You were the gold standard when it came to love, dedication, parenting and most of all, sports! I will cherish the 41-years of going to Wildcat football games with you. Arriving early to watch pre-game and you looking at me like I was nuts if I wanted to get snacks! As time went on, you embraced seeing your next generation of Rincon's go with you. When we decided to end our streak, it was on our terms, we did it our way, and the Cats beat ASU at home.

When I was a boy and young man, you affectionately called me "Punk" with a smile on your face. I loved walking with you to the neighborhood pool every morning in the Summer to swim with my friends as you lifeguarded.

You and mom always set the bar high when it came to any category in life. As I neared the goal, you both would just raise it. When I shared this with one of your best friends (Max), he said, "You weren't meant to reach the bar because your Dad wouldn't ever want you to stop trying."

You started off almost every voicemail with, "Hey boy, this is your Dad." I will miss our banter when I called you on my way into work. You always argued about how you didn't think I did anything at work and that I was going on vacation!

Thank you for being at every game I played, every graduation ceremony I earned, every promotion I made and every struggle I endured. I could always depend on you. Thank you for allowing me of taking care of you during your last few months at home. Those days will forever be locked in my heart.  I love you Dad.

SPORTS/CAREER/ACADEMICS

Benny was always humble regarding his life-long accomplishments. Growing up with three siblings in a modest home he graduated from Tucson High School in 1951 where he was a standout baseball and football player. His athleticism earned him a baseball scholarship to the University of Arizona where he went on to play in the College World Series in 1954 and 1955. Benny pitched and still holds a NCAA CWS record 21-0 shutout in 1955 and also hit a homerun in the same game. His career pitching record was 24-wins and 5-losses and went undefeated in his Junior and Senior years. Many of his stories and accomplishments were never share with his family until sports writers and organizations started calling.  He was never one to brag about himself. Academically, Benny earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master's in Education at the U of A.

After baseball, he started his teaching career for the Tucson Unified School District in 1958 that would span 31-years. He taught Physical Education at Utterback Junior High School, Sabino High School and Catalina High School. Benny was a cherished baseball coach at Sabino and girls' basketball coach at Catalina.

After his retirement, Benny was honored several times by multiple organizations for his sports accomplishments.

• Tucson High School "T-Club" Hall of Fame Inductee - Class of 1995
• Pima County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee-Class of 2006
• University of Arizona Locker Room-Honor Nameplate-Anonymous Donor in 2008
• Arizona Hispanic Sports Hall of Fame Inductee - Class of 2009

TRAVEL

Beginning in 1976, Benny and Linda began to travel the world together. Although it took some coaxing at first, he gave in to Linda's desire to travel. It didn't take long to shift his attitude toward traveling and visited 43 of the 50 United States, most of Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, Valenzuela, Central Europe, Scandinavia, Morocco, Canary Islands, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Benny really enjoyed taking cruises (Alaska, Caribbean, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, and the Mediterranean).

In 2006, Benny and Linda began to travel less but started spending their Summers in Pinetop, AZ. This allowed all of their children, grand-children and great-grandchildren to visit with them.  Pinetop truly became part of Benny's life as he experienced many memories with family and time with his beloved Cocker Spaniel, Dazey. He loved passing the time playing Scrabble with Linda and Mexican Train with the family.

Benny gave his family and friends a lifetime of love and memories.  He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live forever.

SERVICES :

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, services will be private. A celebration of his life is tentatively scheduled for January 1, 2022.