SAIPAN — Blas Jonathan “BJ” Tenorio Attao and Edmund Sablan Villagomez are mourning the passing of former Lt. Gov. Diego Tenorio Benavente, calling him a devoted public servant, exceptional leader, and beloved family man whose legacy will continue to guide the Commonwealth.
In a joint statement, Attao and Villagomez noted that Benavente was not only a long-serving leader for the CNMI but also family: Attao’s first cousin and Villagomez’s uncle. They extended heartfelt condolences to his wife Vicky, his children, and the Tenorio-Benavente and Seman-Iriarte families.
“Lt. Governor Benavente dedicated his life to serving the CNMI with integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment,” they said, recalling his six terms as a legislator and his tenure as Speaker of the House before becoming lieutenant governor. They said he consistently put the community first, listened attentively, and stood firmly for issues that would improve the lives of families across the Commonwealth.
They also praised his strength and grace after receiving a difficult diagnosis, saying his decision to spend his final months on Saipan, surrounded by family, friends, and the community he loved, spoke volumes about his character and devotion to the islands.
In their statement, Attao and Villagomez highlighted Benavente’s reminder that the CNMI’s strength lies “not in our size, but in our unity,” calling it a powerful reflection of the values he lived by.
“As we mourn this tremendous loss, we honor Diego’s life, his service, and his enduring values,” they said. “May we all find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire us and guide our Commonwealth forward.”
They closed with a Chamorro farewell: “Deskånsa gi pas, Lt. You will be profoundly missed.”
Full text below:
Statement on the Passing of Lt. Governor Diego Benavente from Blas Jonathan “BJ” Tenorio Attao and Edmund Sablan Villagomez
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear Lt. Governor Diego Benavente—a devoted public servant, an exceptional leader, and a beloved family man. Diego was not only a committed servant to the people of the CNMI but also my (Blas Jonathan “BJ” Tenorio Attao’s) first cousin and the beloved uncle of Edmund Sablan Villagomez.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Vicky, his children, the Tenorio- Benavente and the Seman-Iriarte families. Lt. Governor Benavente dedicated his life to serving the CNMI with integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment. Before becoming Lt. Governor, he served six terms as a legislator and was Speaker of the House for much of that time.
Throughout his years of service, Diego exemplified true leadership—always putting community first, listening attentively, and standing firmly for the issues that would improve the lives of families throughout the Commonwealth. His remarkable legacy continues to inspire progress for all.Even as he faced a difficult diagnosis, Diego’s grace and strength never wavered. His choice to spend his final months in Saipan, surrounded by family, friends, and the community he loved so deeply, speaks volumes about his character and devotion.
In a recent address, he reminded us that the CNMI’s strength lies “not in our size, but in our unity,” a powerful reflection of the values he lived by. As we mourn this tremendous loss, we honor Diego’s life, his service, and his enduring values. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time. May we all find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire us and guide our Commonwealth forward.
Deskånsa gi pas, Lt. You will be profoundly missed.
