Donald Richard Benson's Obituary
Donald R. Benson, age 90, of Millsboro, DE, previously of Parsippany, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Christiana Care Hospital, after a brief illness. Born on March 22, 1932, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Carl and Anne Benson.
Don was a graduate of Montclair State University in NJ and went on to earn a master’s degree from Columbia University in NY. A proud veteran, Mr. Benson served in the United States Marine Corps, and was honorably discharged in 1952. He married the love of his life, Sophie (Zadelis) Benson, in 1955 and the two would spend the next sixty-seven years together creating a beautiful life and family together. Don’s love of music led him to a lifelong career as an instrumental musical teacher for a public school in Rockaway, NJ. During the course of his career, he encountered thousands of students and enriched many lives.
Don played trombone in the Marine Corps Band and also upright-bass and saxophone at the Village Gate in NYC, and even the Jerry Lewis Telethon. He was an accomplished sailor taking the family on many summer trips exploring New York, New Jersey, and to places as far as Bar Harbor Maine. Don was forever learning and enjoyed studying Zen philosophy. He always had a fondness for pets of all kinds, and a brilliant sense of humor. Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Neil, and Robert Benson. He is survived by his loving Wife of 67 years Sophie (Zadelis); his children: Laurie (Cranley/Hardesty), Melody (Stickler), Monica (Petrucci/Bales), Adam (Lorie Lewis), Valerie (Haley); his grandchildren: Brad Cranley, Elana (Breiner) Cranley, and Robin (Trizza) Hardesty; Michelle, Claire (Gard), and Andrew Stickler; Tommy, Jessie (Brown) and Jason Petrucci; Bodie and Skylar Benson; Leif and Benson Haley; and his great-grandchildren: Trent Breiner, Amelia Brown, and Ella Petrucci, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date for extended family and friends.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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