Benjamin Gabaldon

Benjamin Romero Gabaldon 1925 ~ 2009 Husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away March 8, 2009 in his home, surrounded by his family, after a five year battle with kidney cancer. Ben was born April 16, 1925 in Layton, Utah, to Pablo and Lugardita Gabaldon. He lived his adult life in Salt Lake City. He enlisted in the US Army in 1943 during which time he was captured in Italy and was a P.O.W. for one year in a German concentration camp for which he was awarded a purple heart. He was especially proud to have served his country and even appeared in two books: Splinters of a Nation and Utah Remembers World War II. He was a miner for Kennecott Copper Corp. He loved golfing, boxing and spending time with family. Survived by his wife, Josephine; 5 daughters: Becky Gabaldon, Teresa Martinez, Linda Peterson, Angela Bocage, Victoria Koether; 8 sons: Benny Gabaldon, Richard Gabaldon, Danny Gabaldon, Joe Soto, Manuel Soto, Ruben Soto, Paul G. Gabaldon, Vince Gabaldon; brother, Louis Gabaldon; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers; 6 sisters; son, Jim Soto. The family would like to give a special thank you to Community Nursing Service for their special care during Dads last days. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 3580 West 3650 South. A viewing will be held at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Interment, Utah Veterans Memorial Park.