Bradley A. Beniek

Passed away suddenly in the presence of loved ones on January 5th, 2019.  Brad was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota October 4th, 1964, where he loved to do all outdoor activities that involved engagement with his family - parents, Art and Charlotte; older sister, Brenda; and his younger brother Barry.

In 1983, Brad graduated from Minnetonka High School and joined the U.S. Navy. He made lifelong friends when assigned to the forward deployed USS Midway (CV-41) Yokohama, Japan, with Helantisubron Twelve, as an Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician (AX). In April 1986, Brad was part of Operation El Dorado Canyon, the United States air strikes against Libya. Additionally, Brad was recognized for his Cold War service and prolonged deployment outside the continental United States. He participated in exercises and operations directly related to the Cold War.

Brad received the Southwest Asia Service Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal for his Navy service while assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 14 during Operation Desert Storm.  Additional medals include the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for deployment in a foreign region during conflict, Good Conduct Medal for exemplary behavior, and National Defense Service Medal for the Global War on Terrorism.

After his honorable discharge in 1992, Brad settled in San Diego, CA with his first wife, Marison. He began a long career in the Communications Industry as a Product Quality Engineer. He made lifelong friendships with his colleagues.

During his last 4 years, Brad was a constant companion in the life of his fiancée Tuyet and delighted in the accomplishments of children Luc and Katrina; nieces Laura, Anna, Sophia and Anika; and nephew Calvin. Brad was a generous, thoughtful and nostalgic man who loved the simple things in life like playing board games, fishing, cooking for others, and above all else, valued time spent with family and friends. His gentle presence will be deeply missed.

Visitation and sharing of memories will be held on January 23rd, from 4-8PM at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary, 13243 Poway Rd, Poway CA 92064.  A mass of Christian Burial will be held celebrating Brad's life on January 24th at 10AM at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Community, 11451 Blue Cypress Dr. San Diego, CA 92131 with the Very Rev. Nicholas Clavin presiding, followed by a burial with military honors at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122.