Roberto Rexach Benítez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roberto Nicolás Rexach Benítez
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| 10th President of the Senate of Puerto Rico | |
| In office 1993–1996 |
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| Preceded by | Miguel Hernández Agosto |
| Succeeded by | Charlie Rodríguez |
| Member of the Senate of Puerto Rico | |
| In office 1985–1998 |
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| Succeeded by | Pedro Rosselló |
| Minority Speaker of the Senate of Puerto Rico | |
| In office 1985–1993 |
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| Preceded by | Nicolás Nogueras |
| Succeeded by | Antonio Fas Alzamora |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Roberto Nicolás Rexach Benítez
December 18, 1929 New York City, New York |
| Died | April 4, 2012 (aged 82) Arecibo, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | New Progressive Party |
| Spouse | Ada Urdaz |
| Alma mater | University of Puerto Rico (BA) University of Maryland (MS) University of Puerto Rico School of Law (JD) |
| Profession | Politician |
Roberto Nicolás Rexach Benítez (born December 18, 1929 – died April 4, 2012) was a famous Puerto Rican politician. Many people knew him by his nickname, Bobby. He served as a Senator and a Representative in Puerto Rico.
Bobby Rexach Benítez was the tenth President of the Senate of Puerto Rico. He held this important position from 1993 to 1996. Before that, he was a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from 1973 to 1976. He also served as a Senator from 1985 to 1998.
Before his time in politics, he helped start two important universities. He was the first director of the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo (from 1967 to 1970). He also directed the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao (from 1961 to 1967).
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Early Life and Education
Roberto Rexach Benítez was born in New York City on December 18, 1929. His parents were from Puerto Rico. He grew up on the island of Puerto Rico.
He went to elementary school in Juncos and Arecibo. He finished high school in Río Piedras.
In 1951, he earned his first college degree, a bachelor's degree in social science. He studied at the University of Puerto Rico. Just one year later, he completed his master's degree in political science. This degree was from the University of Maryland. He also studied law for two years at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law.
Professional Career
In 1958, Bobby Rexach Benítez became a professor. He taught Political Science at the University of Puerto Rico. In the same year, he became an assistant to the Dean of Administration.
From 1961 to 1967, he was the Director and Dean of the Humacao Regional University College. After that, he worked in the same role at the Arecibo Regional University College. He stayed there until 1970.
Political Journey
Bobby Rexach Benítez began his political career in 1973. He was elected to the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. At that time, he was part of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD).
Later, he decided to join a different political group. He became a member of the New Progressive Party. This party is also known as the New Party for Progress.
In 1980, he worked as an assistant to the President of the University of Puerto Rico. From 1981 to 1985, he was an advisor to Governor Carlos Romero Barceló.
Serving as Senator
In 1984, Rexach Benítez was elected as a Senator. He won in the general elections as a Senator At-large. After he took his oath, his party chose him to be their Minority Leader. This meant he was the main spokesperson for his party in the Senate.
He was reelected in 1988 and continued as the Minority Leader. In the 1992 elections, he was elected again. His fellow senators then chose him to be the 10th President of the Senate of Puerto Rico. He officially started this role on January 11, 1993. He served as President until 1996, when he was reelected as a Senator At-large.
Later Years and Legacy
After he retired from politics, Bobby Rexach Benítez continued to be active. He worked as an educational consultant. He also wrote a weekly column for the El Vocero newspaper. He was also an author and wrote several books and essays. Some of his works include:
- "Un sistema de elecciones primarias para Puerto Rico" (1954)
- "Pedro Albizu Campos, leyenda y realidad" (1959)
- "Puerto Rico, un pueblo en la encrucijada" (1964)
- "La educación universitaria, lujo o necesidad"
He passed away on April 4, 2012, at his home in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. His death was due to health complications.
Many people honored him during memorial services. On April 5, 2012, important leaders spoke about his life. These included Secretary of State Kenneth McClintock, Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, and San Juan Mayor Jorge Santini. Governor Fortuño declared five days of official mourning. On April 9, a special mass was held in San Juan. McClintock and Rivera Schatz again spoke about Rexach's contributions.
