Cedar Crest in Bernalillo County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Ben and Pat Abruzzo
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, August 21, 2021
1. Ben and Pat Abruzzo Marker
1930 – Rockford, Illinois
Pat Abruzzo
1932 – Rockford, Illinois
1985 – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Ben Abruzzo was one of those rare individuals who undertake great enterprises – adventures of the human spirit which ennoble us all.
In business, and in association with others – especially Robert Nordhaus, his achievements included the development of the Sandia Peak Ski Area, the Sandia Peak Tramway and the Sandia Heights sub-division at the base of the tramway.
But, his unique achievements were in a dimension beyond business. In 1978, he flew with Maxie Anderson and Larry Newman in the “Double Eagle II” and made the first successful balloon crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. In 1981, flying the “Double Eagle V” with Larry Newman, Ron Clark, and Rocky Aoki, Ben crossed the Pacific Ocean in the only attempt ever made to do so in a balloon. These pioneering voyages rank among the great feats in the history of aeronautics.
Pat Abruzzo, beloved wife and mother, was an indispensable partner in these achievements and a co-venturer in spirit. Not only did she provide a strong and loving family environment, but her confidence in Ben’s abilities and her unfailing support and encouragement in the face of risk made the conquest of risk easier.
this page online
In this place whose beauty and vistas inspired them and which was a source of their strength and happiness, they are remembered with deepest affection…and pride.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 35° 11.75′ N, 106° 26.034′ W. Marker is in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, in Bernalillo County. Marker can be reached from Grand Enchantment Trail. The marker is at the observation platform at the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway and along the Great Enchantment Trail. It can be reached by the long hike up to the peak or by taking the Tramway up to the site, starting from the lower Tramway base off of Tramway Road NE in Albuquerque. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cedar Crest NM 87008, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sandia Peak Ski Area (a few steps from this marker); The View from the Top (within shouting distance of this marker); Wild at Heart (within shouting distance of this marker); The Green Chair at Santa Fe Ski Basin (approx. 2.6 miles away); Doña Elena Gallegos / Elena Gallegos Land Grant (approx. 3 miles away); Doña Dolores “Lola” Chávez de Armijo (approx. 4.6 miles away); Las Placitas
April 22, 2018
2. Ben and Pat Abruzzo Marker
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, August 21, 2021
3. Ben and Pat Abruzzo Marker
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, August 21, 2021
4. Ben and Pat Abruzzo Marker
April 22, 2018
5. The Sandia Peak Tramway
Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 2, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 2. submitted on July 13, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 3, 4. submitted on September 2, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 5. submitted on July 13, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
