Benjamin Maya Coronado passed away on the morning of February 24, 2018. Ben was the youngest of 10 children, born September 28, 1929 in Clifton, AZ. He was raised by his older sister Angie and the rest of his family after losing both his parents at a young age. Ben loved Clifton and enjoyed a childhood playing in its hills and along the banks of the San Francisco river. He was a member of the neighborhood band called the “Tin Can Band” which performed around eastern Arizona. He attended Clifton high school and was an outstanding athlete in football and basketball. After high school Ben joined the Army and served in the 2nd Armored Division. He returned to Clifton where he met his future bride Mary Louise Fernandez. They married in 1950 and never left each other's side for the next 67+ years. They soon had 3 children and decided to move to Tucson in order to provide their young family greater opportunities. In Tucson Ben and Mary Lou had 2 more children. Ben was employed by Pima Mining company and the Sunnyside school district where he stayed until retirement. Ben was incredibly active in the community and the schools his kids attended; Saints Peter & Paul and Salpointe Catholic. Ben had several leadership positions at the Knights of Columbus and as Grand Knight led the construction of Council 1200’s headquarters. The K of C thrived under Ben’s leadership and Mary Lou was equally influential by forming the first ladies auxiliary, the Columbiettes. Together, side by side, they drove the fundraising, design and construction of the Cristo Rey church on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation. For his work Ben was named Knight of Year and his project received national accolades. Ben had a clever wit and infectious good spirit - everybody loved Ben. His love for his 9 siblings his 5 children and 5 grandchildren was only surpassed by his deep love for Mary Lou. He took her hand on the night they eloped and never let it go until the morning of his passing, 67 years later. Ben is preceded into heaven by his daughter Evelyn and his son Chris. He is survived by his sons Ron, Mario and Anthony, and of course, the love of this life Mary Lou. Viewing will be at Angel Valley Funeral Home on March 9, 2018 from 5-8pm, the rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be at 10am on March 10th at St. Frances Cabrini church. Ben will be buried at Holy Hope cemetery and reception will follow at St. Frances Cabrini hall at 12pm