SOFTBALL AMBASSADOR BENNY VILLAVERDE DIES

Oct. 1, 2012

One of the Ambassadors of Senior Softball, and the architect of the sport in Hawaii, Benny Villaverde, has died after a months-long battle with cancer.

Benny, 85, died on Oct. 6, in Honolulu.

Benny had been the Hawaii State Director for 20 years when he was named National Director Emeritus and Official Ambassador of Senior Softball in 2005 for his dedication and work in developing and growing senior softball throughout Hawaii.

Benny was not only one of the prime movers in developing senior softball, but for many years was an excellent player, which is not surprising given his gifted baseball career in Hawaii.

Benny was also a talented musician.

“He was a good friend, a strong supporter of the sport – and one of the most energetic people I’ve ever met,” said Terry Hennessy COE of Senior Softball-USA. We will greatly miss Benny’s insight and charm.”

Benny is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Kelly, Barry and Brian Villaverde, Mark Herman and daughters Patricia Gorelangton, Denise Wong, Andrea Berezoski, and Lisa Porte. The family suggests donations to Live Music Awareness, PO Box 22879, Honolulu, HI, 96823 or livemusicawareness.com