Obituary of John E. Benson

JOHN E. BENSON JR. Watervliet-John E. Benson Jr., 84 of Watervliet, beloved husband of the late Barbara Lee Friedel Benson, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Cohoes, he was the son of the late John E. Sr. and Helen M. (Blake) Benson. He attended LaSalle Institute in Troy and graduated from Siena College in Loudonville. John retired from the Watervliet Arsenal in 1979 where he served as civilian personnel officer for 23 years, this length of service gave him the honor of not only serving the longest time of any personnel officer but also the longest time of service in the civilian division of the Dept. of Army. In 1995 he went to work at the Latham Circle Mobil Mart. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II serving in the Calvary and later with the infantry as a 1st Lt. He served in the Pacific Theater in the Philippines as company commander, and also as Defense Counsel on Special Court Martials. John was past President of the Siena Alumni Association, past President of the Latham Rotary Club and held several terms as President of the NY Federal Personnel Association. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham. John also volunteered at St. Peter's Hospital. He enjoyed camping, traveling, handiwork, gardening and spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his loving children Robert (Ann) Benson of Green Island, Suzanne G. (Robert) Schulz of Fultonville, Tammy Lee (Richard) Graham of Carpentria, CA, Doreen (Garrett) Bird of Schenectady, Tammy Jo Bevins of Windsor, two sisters: Marie Looby Daniele of Cohoes, Patricia A. McLaughlin of Latham and twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday February 28, 2009 at 9:30 am in Our Lady of The Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham with Rev. Geoffrey Burke officiating. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Ltd., 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY. Donations in memory of John may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor 1 Jeanne Jugan Lane Latham, NY 12110 or the St. Peter's Foundation 315 South Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208 For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com