Obituary of Robert H. Benson

Robert H. Benson, 90, of 140 Aldren Avenue, formerly of 47 Hickory Street in Jamestown, passed away Monday June 2, 2014, in WCA Hospital after a short illness. A native of Jamestown, he was born on July 29, 1923, a son of Harold and Esther Hopkins Benson. He was a 1941 graduate of Falconer High School where he excelled at all sports. Bob was a WWII veteran of the US Army Air Corps. He served with the 24th Fighter Squadron, 6th Air Corps as a Sergeant from 1942 to 1945. He was a true patriot and loved his country absolutely. Prior to his retirement in 1985, he was employed by the Sprinchorn Company, Inc. as a sheet metal worker for over 40 years. He was a craftsman and was very proud of the structures that he helped to create. In earlier years he worked for Probst Hardware and Dawson Metal and following retirement he worked for many years as a maintenance man for Phoenix Metal and BWB. He was a long time member of the Sheet Metal Workers' Union, Independent Order of Vikings no. 65, Ira Lou Spring Post No. 149 American Legion and Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. "Mr. B" devoted his life to making the world a better place and his positive outlook and "can do" attitude will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. He coached Midget Football and Little League Baseball for over 20 years and made a positive life- long impact on hundreds of young lives in the process. He was an avid basketball player in his younger years. After starring in basketball at Falconer High School, Bob played on several top level award winning teams in the Army Air Corps, and when he returned to Jamestown, he played for many years with the Vikings, the VFW Pros, the Y Varsity, and Moores TV. During his basketball career and in all facets of his life, he was a true team player, always striving hard to win, but with sportsmanship and class and never wanting any individual credit. He was also a die- hard fan of Jamestown High School basketball and football and the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns, who he followed with a passion. The most important thing to Bob was his family who he loved dearly. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, the former Mary Ann Riley; two sons, Thomas (Sue) Benson of Jamestown and Robert of Jamestown; a daughter, Deborah Andersen of Bemus Point; seven grandchildren, Amy Mait (Keith), Megan Benson, Katie Benson, Kelley (Bernie) Auer, Candy (Chris) Frost, Tom Andersen and Rob Benson; four great grandchildren, Riley and Andrew Auer, Alex Mait, and Logan Frost; two sisters, Arlene James and Audrey Bardo and a brother James Benson. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, George Benson and a son in law Harold Andersen. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 this Friday June 6th in the Lind Funeral Home. A reception including a time of remembrance will be held on Thursday evening, June 26th at the Gateway Train Station in Jamestown from 6-9 pm and the family invites everyone who knew Bob to attend to share their memories and celebrate his life. Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Robert H. Benson Fund, 418 Spring Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 or a charity of choice. The Robert H. Benson Fund will benefit Jamestown Midget Football and Little League Baseball by providing funds for kids in need, as well as for equipment and coaches training. You may light a candle in remembrance of Bob at www.lindfuneralhome.com.