John Bench Obituary
Reverend John F. Bench, 70, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2009 in Englewood, FL after a six-year battle with bone marrow cancer. Father Bench was the son of the late John & Marie (Schmidt) Bench; beloved brother of Laura (Bench) St. Mars, Joan (Bench) Predmore, Stephen Bench, Mary (Bench) McCague; and uncle of Mary Patricia (Predmore) Hayse, James Predmore, Michael Predmore, Stevie Bench, Galen Blyth and Jeremy Blyth. Father Bench was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest on May 9, 1964. He served as parochial vicar at St. Henry in Mt. Oliver (1964-1971) and St. Edward in Blawnox (1971-1976), and served as pastor at St. Joseph in Mt. Oliver until 1980, at which time he relocated to the Diocese of Charleston, SC. In the Charleston Diocese, Father Bench administered to a number of parishes, including St. Mary on Yonges Island, St. Boniface in Joanna, Holy Spirit in Laurens, St. Leo Mission in Andrews, and the Mission Parish on Pawley's Island. He served as pastor to St. Mary in Georgetown (1988-1989) and Holy Cross in Pickens (1989-1994). In addition, he served as chaplain to the Clinton Rehabilitation Center and the Knights of Columbus, and as Episcopal Vicar of the Pee Dee. In 1990, as director and coordinator of Evangelization in the Diocese of Charleston, he worked on and developed the Evangelization Book for the Diocese. Friends received Friday 2-9PM in St. John Vianney Church, 225 Allen St., Allentown (Pgh.) where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 10AM. Memorial contributions may be sent to Catholic Charities in Pittsburgh and/or Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Charleston in favor of The Neighborhood House. Arrangements by the FARNSWORTH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-381-3337. Online condolences at www.farnsworthfuneralhome.net
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Helena Blackowicz
August 13, 2009
My family and I met father john at St. mary in Georgetown, SC. He was the best priest we ever had.He was devout and very loving. He also worked hard. He established Presious Blood, said mass at St.Mary, St. Cyprian, St. Leo and one other church at least once a week.He made a major influence on my life and my daughters' lives. He helped me out when in trouble emotionally, spiritually as well as financially. He bought my daughter Julia a dress for May Queen when we had no money. I loved him. He is a moajor loss to my family. I have prayed for him in my rosary on a daily basis and will continue to do so. May God bless you all.
July 18, 2009
To Family and Friends of Father John,
My husband and I were introduced to each other on August 15, 1984 by Father John at St. Boniface in Joanna, South Carolina. On July 12, 1986 he said our nuptial mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Camden, South Carolina. We just celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary and we knew something was not quite right when we didn't hear from Father John. We are sadden to hear of his passing, but know that he isn't suffering any longer and is being held in the palm of God's hand. His love of life, his gift of the Holy Spirit, his wonderful laugh and beautiful voice are memories we'll cherish. God Bless. Brian and Sissy Ellis Concord, NH
Lynn Howard Pierce
July 6, 2009
To the family of Father John,
I was a child when Father John came to St. Mary's in Georgetown, SC. I remember his laugh, his singing and his smile above all else. He joined us quite often for Sunday dinners and get togethers. He was the best priest I have ever known. He took the time to listen to the youth of our parrish. I was in the 10th grade when he left, but I have never forgotten him. He was a wonderful person, and I am better for knowing him. I'll never forget when we went to see the pope in Columbia, SC we went to the small mass and he was giggling like a child, so excited to be seeing Pope John Paul. My parents still stopped by to see him when they went to Florida. We will miss him.
John & Frances Howard
July 5, 2009
Our family extends our sympathy and prayers to your family. We have many wonderful memories of the years he was our shepherd at St. Mary, Our Lady of Ransom, Catholic Church in Georgetown. About a year ago we visited him and enjoyed it so much and were saddened to hear of his death. You remain in our prayers.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Ron Kimmel
July 2, 2009
I did'nt know you passed away Father Bench. I have been trying to call you for the past month. I finally got the disconnect notice and knew something was wrong. I tried all day today til I found you. I miss our phone conversations and the few times we got together. I'll never forget Thanksgiving dinner in Georgetown or the many times you helped me with my problems. I only wish I could have helped you with yours. I'm not going to say godbye old friend. You know I'm not far behind. God Bless you and keep you close until we meet again.
July 2, 2009
Dear Mary,
Cathy Vondreau passed along the word that your brother, John, had passed away. I am so sorry to hear of his battle with bone marrow cancer. As the years pass I understand better how young the age of 70 is, I am saddened that his health broke down. It would be wonderful to hear from you when you are able to contact any of your Seton Hill group.
Fondly,
Bernice Petty Fisher
Noreen Adams Rachuba
July 2, 2009
To the family and loved ones of Fr. Bench:
While attending school at St. Henry's, I recall Fr. Bench visiting our classrooms quite frequently. His beautiful singing voice is what I most remember about him. I would like to extend my sympathy to all of his family and friends.
Claudia Bench Lang
June 15, 2009
To all my cousins and brother of John. I wish to extend my sympathy to you in the loss of your beloved brother. I had been writing and exchanging cards with him for the past few years. I have such fond memories of him and recall as kids he always managed to beat us me (Claudia), Claire and Lats at "Knuckles".
Frances Roell
June 15, 2009
To the Family of Father John,
My family and I offer our deepest sympathy to you. We have many treasured memories of wonderful times shared with Father John. He was a kind, generous and compassionate man who will be greatly missed by many.
June 13, 2009
To the Family of Father Bench,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers during this sad time. We first met Father Bench at St. Henry's and then were again blessed by his guidance when he became pastor at St. Joseph's. He was a good priest and man, he will be missed by everyone, who's life he touched.
Rich and Dolores Sippos & children, Beth,Jacqueline,Caroline,Laura & Rich of (Mount Oliver) and
Mrs. Dolores Beiter (St.Henry)
Tricia Romaniello
June 12, 2009
To the family of Father John,
You have my deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Father John was the Pastor at St. Joseph in Mt. Oliver when I was in grade school. He was a very kind and caring person and he will be truly missed.
Betty Dillon
June 12, 2009
To the family of Father Bench...
You have my deepest heartfelt sympathy during this most difficult time.
Father Bench was the priest who married my husband and me
at Saint Edward's.
He was a wonderful priest and a wonderful person. He had a great sense of humor.
I remember we bought a new car for our honeymoon trip to Williamsburg. The evening before our wedding, after our rehearsal in church, Father Bench came outside and blessed our car to make it safe for our travels (but he told us "the blessing was only good up to 60 miles per hour").
He is safely home now and smiling down on everyone.
God Bless You for sharing him with us!
Ed Neidhardt
June 11, 2009
To the family of John Bench,
My deepest sympathies and prayers go out for you and for John as he enters his eternal reward. I was a friend of his at North Catholic, St. Gregory's in Cincinnati, and at St. Vincents in Latrobe. He was a good and devout person and I am sure that he will be missed by all who got to know him.
The Staff of Farnsworth Funeral Home
June 11, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
425 Brownsville Road, Mt Oliver, PA 15210
Make a Donation
in John Bench's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Bench's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
