Final Salute

Benjamin Ephraim Lujan, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Windsor, CA on August, 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. “Shorty”, as his family called him, was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin E. Lujan Sr. and Marie Lucero Lujan; his siblings Richard, Connie, David, Patty, and Andy; his beloved daughter, Michelle; and his treasured granddaughter, Natasha. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diane (Markell); sister Yvonne Chamorro; son Benjamin Lujan III (Monique); daughter Monica Lujan (Jose); and grandchildren Sunya, Samuel, Tristan, Malin, Benjamin (IV), Elijah, Lola, and Isabella; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Benny was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 21, 1942, and grew up in San Francisco, CA, where he attended Balboa High School. He enlisted in the Navy, and served from 1966-1968, serving two tours in Vietnam as a SeaBee (Construction Battalion). He joined the San Francisco Police Department on January 16, 1969, working as the book man at Park Station but felt called to serve as a fireman. He joined the San Francisco Fire Department on September 16, 1969, eventually putting in for and making Engine 42 as his first house. Having grown up in the Bayview, Hunters Point, and Portola, he took a lot of pride in being able to serve the people and neighborhoods that he knew. A long time member of station 6, both on the truck and the engine, he retired in 1993.
Benny loved working with his hands, and felt his calling was to be a carpenter; working in the trades throughout his entire life, and throughout San Francisco, the Peninsula, and after moving to Santa Rosa in 1986, the North Bay. He was also a talented painter, woodworker, cook, and an avid cyclist, reader, and fan of music. His biggest loves were visiting with and cooking for friends, vacationing, and telling stories. He will be missed for his giant heart, his giving and helpful spirit, and the deep connection he sought and fostered with those around him.
His friends and family are invited to celebrate his memory at noon on what would have been his 83rd birthday: September 21, 2025. We will be gathering at event venue The Backdrop, located at:
1455 Corporate Center Parkway.
Santa Rosa, CA 95407.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Muscular Dystrophy Association (mda.org), or the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation (sffcpf.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Press Democrat on Aug. 31, 2025.