Caesar J. Benigno, a Santa Clarita World War II veteran, died just short of his 94th birthday on Nov. 27 at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital due to heart failure.

He was born Dec. 21, 1925 in New York City. Benigno graduated from Washington Irving Evening High School in 1942, and soon after, he enlisted to live out his dream of becoming an Army Air Corps pilot.
During his distinguished career with the U.S. Army Air Corps, later becoming the U.S. Air Force, Benigno flew on the B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber as a ball turret gunner and radar jammer, more commonly known as an electronics warfare specialist.

With his World War II experiences, Benigno was tasked to lead an “Escape and Invasion” training class.

Benigno’s military awards include the prestigious French Legion of Honor, U.S. Presidential Unit Citation Award, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Medal and European Theatre of Operations Medal with three campaign stars.

With his steadfast commitment to succeed, dedication and passion to serve, he advanced quickly in the ranks, climbing from master sergeant to colonel.

Legion of Merit

After World War II, Benigno continued his service with the Air Force as a reservist, but resulting from his vast knowledge in intelligence, he landed a host of positions in the defense industry.
Benigno’s passions in life were dancing, cooking, traveling, storytelling, music, old movies, women and politics.

He was predeceased by his brother, Samuel Benigno and sisters, Jenny Demarco and Nancy Filoramo. Benigno is survived by his four children, Frank Benigno, Dianne Benigno, Caesar Benigno Jr. and Janette Coleman; and his six grandchildren, Stephanie, Andrew, Anthony, Kathryn, Sarah and Sean. Additionally, he is survived by five great grandchildren, Savannah, Sophia, Kira, Vivian and Stephen.

Funeral services are set to be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary in Newhall, followed by burial on Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Riverside.

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