Robert G. Benko's Obituary
Robert "Bob" G. Benko, age 66, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, formerly of Lemoyne, PA, passed away Monday, September 1, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, DE. He was born August 28, 1942, in Harrisburg, son of the late Lloyd H. and Ethel (Papp) Benko.
Mr. Benko received a BA in Sociology from Franklin and Marshall College and a Master of Regional Planning from the Pennsylvania State University. He had a long and rewarding career working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the areas of Policy and Planning, Community and Economic Development, and Community Affairs, and served for nearly three years as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Shipyard Development Corporation. He also worked as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the Pennsylvania State University. Bob was recognized for his many contributions in his field of expertise by the Council of Governors' Policy Advisors with the Jack Brezius Memorial Rough Rider Award for Excellence in Public Policy, and the Soil Conservation Society of America presented him with a National Honor Award. In his retirement years, he especially enjoyed his time sailing, carving classic decoys and miniature waterfowl, and indulging his dog, Dewey. Bob was a member St. Edmond's Catholic Church, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus, the Lewes Historical Society, the Rehoboth Art League and Delaware by Hand. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by all those who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Connie (Hench) Benko; two sons, Christopher James Benko and his wife Mary of Tampa, FL and Matthew Robert
Benko and his wife Lilli of Richmond, VA; five grandchildren, Emily, Brian and Shane of Tampa and Winfield and Thaddeus of Richmond.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 5, 2008, 11:30 A.M., at St. Edmond's Catholic Church, King Charles & Laurel Streets, Rehoboth Beach; Father Raymond Forrester will be the celebrant. Friends may call at the church on Friday beginning at 10:30 A.M. Interment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery - Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Edmond's Catholic Church building fund ("Enhance St. Edmond's"), King Charles & Laurel Streets, PO Box 646, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Send online condolences to: [email protected]
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