San Benito, TX - Grand Night 4th Degree San Benito "Benny" Montalvo, Sr. passed away at his residence on Wednesday, January 31, 2007. Benny Montalvo was born on September 20, 1907 to Ismael and Francisca Esparza Montalvo. On the night he was born, the City of San Benito was having a celebration in honor of its new name. Upon learning of Benny's birth, Col. Sam Robertson suggested to the Ismael and Francisca Montalvo to name their new son San Benito, which is how Bennie got his name. Benny was an avid sportsman who loved to play baseball during the 1920's through the 1930's. In addition, he loved to hunt and fish. Many people in San Benito and throughout the Rio Grande Valley remember Bennie for his passion to dance. In his younger days Bennie was known to travel the valley by horseback just to attend a dance. Many people who grew up in South Texas during the turn of the last century grew up with very strong work ethics. Benny was a true example of this mindset. He started working at a very young age and by the time he was in his mid twenty's he was a labor contractor for many farmers through out Texas and the surrounding areas. His reputation as a hard and honest worker preceded him where ever he went and as a result many people were eager to do business with him. By the time he married Lilly G. Montalvo, he was already following in his father's footsteps as an entrepreneur and was establishing himself as a successful beef purveyor selling meat to the government and other entities. Later in life he partnered with his brothers Fred and Fausto Montalvo to form a construction company in San Benito (Montalvo Lumber Co.). Through this venture, he was instrumental in furthering the development of the Los Indios and El Ranchito areas by creating small residential subdivisions. During football season, many San Benitoites will remember his presence at all the home games because he was usually present with his cow bell that he would ring whenever the occasion would call for it. During homecoming and Christmas parades, he was always visible sitting up on a convertible waving and smiling to all those present. He used to joke openly with his friends and family that he was a graduate of Fred Booth University which is an elementary school near his home. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus where he obtained a 4th degree Grand Knight Status and carried this honor with pride at every early Sunday service. Bennie Montalvo was a symbol of hard work and honesty to this community and will be truly missed by all of those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his daughter: Dahlia M. (Alfonso) Delgadillo - San Benito, TX; son: San Benito Montalvo, Jr. - Angleton, TX; 19 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grand children, numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by 2 brothers: Rene (Marcela) Montalvo, Sr. - San Benito, TX and Enrique "Henry" (Linda) Montalvo, Sr. - Brownsville, TX. He is preceded in death by parents: Ismael and Francisca Esparza Montalvo, Sr., wife, Lilly G. Montalvo, son: Gilberto Montalvo, Sr., siblings: Enriqueta M. Cortez, Francis M. Gutierrez, Zoila M. Kurczyn, Alfredo Montalvo, Joe Montalvo, Ismael Montalvo, III, and Fausto Montalvo. Pallbearers will be Daniel Garcia, Juan J. Garcia, Joel Garcia, Eddie Montalvo, Christopher Montalvo, Herman Montalvo, Rene Montalvo, Jr. and San Benito Montalvo, III. Honorary Pallbearers will be his Wal-Mart Morning Coffee Buddies, Members of the San Benito Chamber of Commerce, Members of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 205 members, San Benito Wal-Mart Store #1296 Manager Jesse Leal and all Staff, all local City, County and State officials. The family of San Benito "Benny" Montalvo, Sr., would like to especially than his provider Victoria De Leon and family. Visitation will be held today, Friday, February 2, 2007 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in San Benito with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. Funeral will be held Saturday February 3, 2007 at 12:00 noon at St. Benedict Catholic Church in San Benito. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park. Words of comfort may be sent to the family of San Benito "Benny" Montalvo, Sr. at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral services have been entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors in San Benito, TX (956) 399-1331.