Dr. Aurelio Benavides, beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the age of 85.

He was born in Bogota, Colombia, to the late Dr. Aurelio and Berta Benavides. From an early age, he developed a passion for medicine and went on to graduate from medical school at Javeriana University in Colombia, South America. Following his internship and residency there, he came to the United States to continue his training at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and St. Vincent’s Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was board certified by the American Board of Urology and was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Benavides practiced Urology in Martinsburg, West Virginia for nearly 40 years. To the many patients who knew him simply as “Dr. Ben,” he was much more than a physician. He was someone who listened, cared and made people feel at ease. He was known for his exceptional medical expertise, wonderful bedside manner and especially his sense of humor. Over the course of his career, he touched the lives of countless patients and families, many of whom remembered him long after they left his care.

While his medical career was an important part of who he was, one of his greatest joys was his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Cindy, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage, and he was a loving father and proud grandfather who cherished his children and grandchildren.

After retiring from medicine, he and Cindy moved to South Carolina, where he enjoyed a quieter chapter of life surrounded by family.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy; his son Ivan Benavides of Winchester, Virginia, and son Diego Benavides of Martinsburg, West Virginia; his daughter Andrea Benavides Wise and her husband Zachary of Charlotte, North Carolina, and his son Nicolas Benavides and his wife Alyssa from Easley, South Carolina. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Noah, Owen, Juan Diego, Tanner, Logan, Archer and Remy. He has a brother and sister-in-law, Don and Barb Edmonds from Fort Mill, South Carolina and three siblings still in Colombia: Gladys Rodgriquez, Jaime Benavides and Berta Cecilia Duran.

Dr. Ben leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, humor and love. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former patients, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the St. Philip Neri Rebuild 2 Serve Campaign. Donations can be made online at Rebuild 2 Serve Campaign or mailed to St. Philip Neri Church, 292 Munn Road East, Fort Mill, SC 29715 (please note Rebuild 2 Serve in the memo line).