Obituary of Raymond Aguilar Benemerito

Raymond Aguilar Benemerito, of Landing, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Morristown Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was 59 years old.

Above all else, Raymond was a devoted husband, a proud father, a beloved son and brother, a cherished uncle, and a loyal friend. Of all the things he accomplished in his life, his greatest joy was the family he built and the life they shared together.

Raymond was born on May 13, 1967, in Tondo, Manila, Philippines, to Dolores Aguilar and the late Justino Zerna Benemerito. He was the firstborn of three children. In August 1971, his father immigrated to Newark, New Jersey, in search of new opportunities for his family. In February 1973, Justino was able to bring Dolores, Raymond, and his younger siblings, James and Susan, to join him in the United States. Not long after, the Benemerito family purchased their first home and moved to West Orange, New Jersey, beginning a new chapter of their lives together.

Raymond attended West Orange High School, graduating in 1985. While in high school, he participated in numerous sports and discovered a lifelong passion for powerlifting. His dedication and strength quickly set him apart, eventually earning him induction into the West Orange High School Hall of Fame for his achievements in powerlifting.

After high school, Raymond began an extraordinary powerlifting career. As a member and captain of the USA Powerlifting Team, he competed at the highest levels of the sport, becoming a champion across multiple weight classes and years. In 1988, he won his first World Powerlifting Championship title. In 1994, he captured his first W.D.F.P.F. Men’s World Championship, and in 1995 he was named Best Male Lifter. He was also named to the APFPA Top 25 All Men’s National Team. His remarkable career culminated in 2021, when he was inducted into the USA Powerlifting Hall of Fame.

But while Raymond accomplished extraordinary things in powerlifting and throughout his professional career, his greatest accomplishments were found at home.

Raymond was a longtime resident of Landing, where he built the home on Lake Hopatcong where his family would grow together. It was there that he and his beloved wife of 35 years, Kathy, raised their three children, Matthew, Melanie, and Mark. The house became so much more than a place to live; it became the heart of the Benemerito family and the backdrop to a lifetime of memories. It was where birthdays and holidays were celebrated, where family and friends gathered, and where countless ordinary days became special simply because they were spent together.

Raymond took tremendous pride in the home he built and, even more so, in the family that filled it. The lake, the house, and the memories made there were woven into the fabric of his life. It was a place where he could always be surrounded by the people he loved most.

Raymond also built a long and distinguished professional career in corporate real estate, spanning more than 41 years. Through hard work, determination, and the same discipline that defined him as an athlete, he steadily advanced throughout his career and ultimately became Vice President with SL Green Realty. His most accomplished feat was serving as General Manager of One Vanderbilt and overseeing the opening of the iconic skyscraper that would forever transform the New York City skyline. He spent the final years of his professional life leading one of Manhattan’s most recognizable landmarks before retiring in June 2026.

Outside of work and powerlifting, Raymond’s life revolved around the people and experiences he loved. He cherished time with his O’Brien and Benemerito families and his many lifelong friends. He enjoyed family vacations to Cape May, memorable trips to the Napa Valley, boating on Lake Hopatcong, cooking and grilling, enjoying a fine cigar and glass of wine, and spending time at the shooting range.

Some of Raymond’s happiest moments were also the simplest ones—sitting on the porch with family, sharing a drink, telling stories, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. These were the moments that Raymond treasured most, and the memories that his family and friends will carry with them always.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Ann (O’Brien) Benemerito, and their three children, Matthew O’Brien Benemerito, Melanie O’Brien Benemerito, and Mark O’Brien Benemerito. He was the loving son of Dolores Aguilar and the late Justino Zerna Benemerito; dear brother of James Aguilar Benemerito and Susan Benemerito LaPointe and her late husband, Bill LaPointe; and a beloved uncle to his six nephews and two nieces. He was also a cherished relative and dear friend to many.

Those who knew Raymond will remember his strength, determination, generosity, loyalty, humor, and zest for life. They will remember the champion, the professional, the father, the husband, the brother, the uncle, and the friend. But most of all, Raymond will be remembered for the love and devotion he gave to his family. His greatest legacy is not measured in championships, titles, or professional accomplishments. It is found in the family he loved, the home he built, the friendships he cherished, and the countless memories he created with the people fortunate enough to share his life.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Raymond’s Life Celebration Services on Tuesday, September 8, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Therese Roman Catholic Church, 151 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876. Interment will follow at Stanhope Union Cemetery. 

All services are entrusted to Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home of Landing, NJ.

We celebrate Raymond’s life and the beautiful family and legacy he leaves behind. From the young boy who came to America with his family, to the champion athlete, devoted husband and father, and beloved friend, Raymond lived a life marked by determination, love, faith, and an unwavering commitment to the people around him.

The home he built on the lake will forever hold the memories of the life he created there—the laughter, the celebrations, the family gatherings, the quiet moments on the porch, and the countless days spent together. Those memories, and the love that filled that home, will remain long after he is gone. His memory will forever be a guiding light and blessing to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace and be reunited with the loved ones who welcome him home. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

In addition to flowers, a meal train has been set up to for the Benemerito Family.  Those who wish to participate may do so by visiting:

https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/Q9P1F4E