Benítez was born in Juncos, Puerto Rico, where he received his primary and secondary education.
After he finished high school, he was accepted in the United States Naval Academy by appointment of the Honorable Santiago Iglesias, Puerto Rico's Resident Commissioner.
 He graduated from the academy in 1939 and was assigned to submarine duty.
Benítez was born in Juncos, Puerto Rico, where he received his primary and secondary education. After he finished high school, he was accepted in the United States Naval Academy by appointment of the Honorable Santiago Iglesias, Puerto Rico's Resident Commissioner.  He graduated from the academy in 1939 and was assigned to submarine duty.
Rafael Celestino Benítez