Benjamin "BJ" Del Toro

Benjamin “BJ” Del Toro, 43, of Houston, Texas, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023, in the Woodlands, surrounded by his family, friends, and work family.

BJ was born April 26, 1979, in Honolulu, HI, to parents Carlos and Lisa Del Toro. He was a graduate of Del City High School, Oklahoma, attended the University of Houston, and was a manager of Kirby Ice House. 

BJ enjoyed the beach, fishing, and pretending he knew how to play golf. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching his Astros, Mavericks, OU, and Dallas Cowboys games. “Cowboys, Baby, Cowboys.” 

Benjamin was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Jesus and Simona Del Toro, maternal grandparents Harold and Mary Stubbs, and Aunt “Choochoo” Maria De Jesus Del Toro. He is survived by his parents Carlos and Lisa Del Toro, sister Cheridye Del Toro, niece Carrington Nicole Bryant, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

BJ was an amazing human being. He was the most genuine, thoughtful, loving, kindest, and sweetest person. He was a loyal friend and devoted son, brother, and uncle. He inherited his work ethic from his father and his sweetness from his mother. He was his mother's favorite running buddy and lunch date. BJ was extremely close with his sister. They had an indescribable bond that one had to witness to understand. He adored his niece and was so extremely proud of her. Every chance he could, he would spend time with them and the family dog (his buddy) Winston. He adored his family and friends, and the best part of his day was spending time with them. 

In spite of his health challenges, BJ lived his best life every day. His transplant story touched the lives of everyone with whom he came into contact. The heart he received made him an even more beautiful man, and we are forever thankful for the person that gave him the gift of a longer, more insightful life, and the deeper impact he was able to make on anyone that knew him. He meant so much to so many people. It's clear the impact he made on the lives of the friends with whom he surrounded himself.

The Del Toro Family is so deeply thankful and touched by the generosity, help, and kind words expressed by friends, family, and BJ’s work family. A loving thank you is extended to Danny Evans and Russ Morgan, owners of the Kirby Ice House of the Woodlands, the place BJ loved so much, for their never-ending generosity and for having BJ’s Celebration of Life in a place he called “Home.”  From the bottom of our humbled hearts, we thank all of you.

The Del Toro Family would also like to thank Dr. Nadia Fida of Houston Methodist, Dr. Selby Oberton of St. Luke’s Health, and the entire St. Luke’s transplant team. We are forever bound by a unique and magical journey that most people can only read about. You are all special and amazing at what you do. We are forever grateful for the time you gave us with Benjamin. 

To the doctors and nursing staff at the Woodlands Memorial Herman, thank you for the respect and compassion you showed Benjamin and our family and for pretending you didn't notice the fact that there were thirty people in his room and not the two max allowed. 

And finally, to Dr. Jyothi Lagisetty, we are blessed that BJ brought you into our lives. Words cannot express how thankful we are for your guidance and support and for holding our hand through it all. We simply love you.

In lieu of flowers, please continue Benjamin’s legacy by donating to St. Luke’s Transplant Center in his name. 

Pallbearers:  Brent Del Toro, Mark Del Toro, Joe Del Toro, Erick Del Toro, Daniel Avalos, Scott Holt, Robert Sutton, Richard Rodriguez III, Sean Williams, and Nick Martinez.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Mike and Rachel Hewitt, Patrick Scott, Analise Rivera, Dr. Jyothi Lagisetty, Deanne Antake, Sharon McAtee, Mark Griffiths, and Diana Reyes.

St. Luke’s Foundation online donation: stlukeshealth.org.

(Please include transplant and Benjamin’s name in the comments.) 

 For donations by mail: St. Luke’s Foundation, P.O. Box 4332, Houston, Texas 77210. (In the memo, please include transplant and Benjamin’s name.)

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