Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Charles J. Benshetler

Charles Benshetler Obituary

BENSHETLER
CHARLES J., 85, of Phila., Oct. 17, 2008. Veteran, educator, Scouter, coach and volunteer in numerous activities, Chuck was an energetic person who shaped the lives of many, particularly young adults, through decades of cheerful service leadership. Among his last activites was helping close his beloved Scout camp, Treasure Island, for the season. Son of the late Charles Sr. and Elizabeth, he is survived by his cherished wife Marilyn (nee Chernow); brother Raymond; sons, Eric (Faye) and Marc; and grandsons Jeff and Evan. Family and friends are invited to Funeral Services Mon. 2 P.M. at LAMB FUNERAL HOME, 101 Byberry Rd., Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. Family will return to his residence. Contributions in his memory may be made to Campership Program, Cradle of Liberty Council B6A, 1485 Valley Forge Rd., Wayne, PA 19087 or Industry and Tech. Dept. Dev. Office, Millersville Univ. PO 1002,Millersville,PA 17551-0302

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News on Oct. 19, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Benshetler

18 Entries

Chris Harris

December 13, 2024

This man was a world-class mentor

Ken Benton

December 18, 2008

"It ain't gonna rain no more no more
It ain't gonna rain no more
How in the heck can I wash my neck
If it ain't gonna rain no more?"

RIP Chuck. You were a good man.

-Ken Benton, Eagle Scout Troop #419

Paul Muller

December 18, 2008

I knew Mr B from being in troop 252. He was not only one of the most upstanding men i have ever had the pleasure of learning from but also an excellent example of what a scout is supposed to be. Other than my father and grandfather, i can't think of a single other man in my young adult life who affected me the way Mr B did, he didn't just teach the scout code and law, but he lived them.

Learning from him the ways of scouting and getting to sit in on lessons about just about everything else are memories i will always treasure. Sam Magee and all the rest were introduced to us kids by the wonderful storyteller Mr B.

Bill Hewitt

November 8, 2008

Mr. B had a profound impact on my life. He was the true definition of a Scoutmaster - a role model for young people.
I met Mr B. Mrs B, and Marc at the OA dinner in 1979- a full year before I came to Troop 252. He impressed me then as he impressed me the last time I saw him in 2006.
I remember swimming at the high school, Mr. B teaching me how to ice skate, archery at TI - his second home, and my Eagle Scout project near his house -which might have contributed to the flood in 1982- and many, many camping trips.
I also remember him driving at mach 1 down Rt 32 with his Plymouth to his beloved TI.
I had a chance 2 years ago to thank him for all of his help - and, as usual he was humbled, and then changed the subject.
He was tough, but fair, always spoke his mind
and cared deeply for all of us. I will truly miss him.

Tom Ryan

November 7, 2008

Mr."B" was not only a man that "talked the talk",he was a man that lived his life as a example of all that Scouting stands for.

I was blessed to have him as my Scoutmaster the entire time I was in Troop 252.

I remember on the day I was awarded Eagle Scout Mr.B standing there next to my Father with a look of approval and pride on his face.

I will also always remember the day I was able to introduce my son's to Mr.B at "TI". I am so glad that they got a chance to meet and talk with him several times during that scout week at "TI".

I along with so many others I am sure are looking back and remembering what Mr.B did for so many of us and the standard he set for us to live to.

While our loss of him here on earth may be hard,there is no doubt that he is in the place he earned over his lifetime that is now in Heaven.

Fair Winds,I was my honor to have known you.

Ray Bradley

November 6, 2008

"Mr. B" made a profound impact on many, many lives over the years, and all of us who knew him had a great respect and fondness for him. Many of us know that we would not be where we are today without his influence in our lives.

Many thanks to Marilyn for allowing her husband to give up so many weekend and summers to be with "his" scouts over the years.

We lost a good man.

Chris Gallagher Troop 226

October 22, 2008

Chuck was always one of the things that made Treasure Island so special. You could be having a bad day at camp, and then bump into Chuck on the trail, and he would cause you to forget your problems. He was a true gentleman and a legendary Scouter. It was an honor to have known him.

Joseph Schwartz

October 22, 2008

Mr. B was a large part of my life growing up, as I'm sure he was to many. What's incredible is how deep the impact was which he made in my development, being with him only for scouting related activities. I can only imagine how he touched the lives of those truly close to him. To this day I consider Mr. B one of my few role models who was simply a pure, good man. I will miss you very much.

Mark Chilutti

October 21, 2008

Chuck was a true "servant leader" in the Delaware District and Cradle of Liberty Council. We are all blessed to have known him and learned from him through the years.

To the Benshetler Family, please know that the Scouting community will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We will truly miss Chuck.

John Walls

October 20, 2008

My condolonces to the Benshetler family. Generations of boys were made into men of character because of Chuck. We will all have fond memories of what Chuck did for Scouting. How How Chuck!

Tom Shaw Troop 752

October 20, 2008

Dear Benshetler Family,

I met Chuck a long time ago as a boy in scouting. This summer I was re-acquainted with him at Treasure Island.

If there was ever a man that symbolized all that is good and positive in Scouting it was Chuck. We are all better people and better scouts and scouters by having known him.

His love of working with boys, his love of Treasure Island and his gentle ways, skits and songs and especially Tom the Toad will all live long in our memories.

Rest in Peace Chuck.

May God Bless You and the Benshelter family.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Ron Pleis T563

October 20, 2008

Mr. Benshetler will be sadly missed but not forgotten. He is a legend in Scouting and his legacy will be fondly remembered by many. Just a couple of weeks ago, at the age of 42, I was fortunate enough to renew my membership in the Tom The Toad Hoping & Marching Society which made Chuck laugh. I am greatful for all that Chuck gave to Scouting. Blessings! W.W.W.

Jeffrey Schwartz

October 20, 2008

My deepest codolences to the family for their loss. Mr.B was probably one of the best people I have had the good fortune to have in my life. As a scout in 252 Mr.B shaped my life in too many ways to count. He made me a better person and in many ways is responsible for the man I am today. I know his passing will leave a hole in the lives of many, but we can all take solace in that he lives on through all the lives he touched. He was truly a great man and a role model that anyone would do well to emulate. Please know that the family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

John Ling

October 20, 2008

I'm one of the many young men whose lives were shaped by Mr. B. I hold many fond memories of my days in scouting. As scouts, we learn the Law (A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.) Mr. B. provided the best example of that in action by living those words every day.

My sincerest sympathies to the Benshetler family.

Lawrence Neibauer

October 20, 2008

Chuck gave everything to scouting and just knowing him and volunteering with him for the last 15 years made me a better scouter. He was a one of a kind guy, who will always be remembered! One of my fondest memories of working with Chuck was when he and I rearranged the canoe paddles in the Treasure Island Dining Hall in cronological order and both if use discovered at the same time that there are things engraved on the back of the paddles. He was always good for a story or a song. All the best to his family in this trying time, and they should be proud of his accomplishments and the many many lives he touched.

Dan Gallagher

October 20, 2008

Chuck changed my life, he sparked a love for working on summer camp staffs that has kept me attending for the past 10 years. I will always remember him and I doing the welcome skit on the docks of TI or Chuck singing his beloved Tom the Toad song.

Matthew McGovern

October 20, 2008

Mrs. Benshetler,

My deepest condolences on your loss. I was privileged enough to serve on staff with your husband this past summer at Treasure Island. I know that for everyone who has served on the camp staff at Treasure Island with Chuck in the past 25 years, the memories we have of Mr. Treasure Island will be cherished forever.

Yours in Scouting,

Matthew McGovern
Eagle Scout
Treasure Island Campstaff 2008

Bob Deck

October 20, 2008

To the Benshetler Family,
Chuck was a wonderful person and will be missed by all that knew him. He was the epitome and a rock of scouting.

Jackie Robinson once said "A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives." Please take comfort in knowing that Chuck had an impact on many lives. His many stories, songs and characters he has shown us scouts and scouters over the years will live forever in our memories.

He will be missed by the entire scouting community, but never forgotten.

Take comfort in knowing that he was loved not only by his family but by all who knew him.

Take care my friend and rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results