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John Benge Obituary
On January 27, 2012, Dr. John Howard Benge, M.D., passed away under the care of The Preston Residence, Jenner's Pond, West Grove, PA, after a recent hospitalization. He had been a resident of Brandywine Assisted Living at Longwood, Kennett Square, PA, since 2007.
John was born in Yorklyn, DE on October 25, 1923 to Leroy and Emma (Watson) Benge. He graduated from Kennett High School, Kennett Square, PA. He received his undergraduate degree from Haverford College, Haverford, PA and his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His internship and residency were at the Memorial Hospital of DE and Delaware Hospital Division. He set up his internist medical office at his residence on Shipley Road, Wilmington DE. During his near 50 year medical career, he had a large medical practice across New Castle County. John also held the office of president of the Delaware Medical Society in 1985-86. At the time of his retirement he was practicing at the Silverside Medical Center.
His military service included an 18-month deployment at a battalion medical aid station on the front lines in the Korean War for which he received numerous citations including the Bronze Star.
John had an extensive collection of arrowheads that he began as a child and maintained into his retirement. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, golfing and especially spending time at his oceanfront home in Oak Island, NC.
John was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Alice (McMeekin), in 1990; his daughter, Margaret in 1998; his daughter, Rebecca in 2006; and his last surviving sibling, Elizabeth Jane Benge Leto in 2011. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Bob) Kehoe of Wilmette, Illinois; John H. Jr. of Georgetown, DE; James E. (Joanne) of Hockessin, DE; Malcolm L. (Maura) of Bethesda, MD; and Dr. Bruce N. (Tuna) of Wilmington, DE. He also leaves in his memory 20 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Friends and family may call at Chandler Funeral Home,(302-478-7100) 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 on Wednesday, February 1, from 9:30-11 am, with a memorial service to follow at 11 am. Interment will be held privately at Grace Episcopal Church, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read's Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720.
To share a memory with his family, please visit
www.chandlerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Benge
BEVERLY-IN-HEAVEN AND ARNIE SHER SAMSON
January 24, 2022
DELAWARE WAS BLESSED W/ BENGE FAMILY...WE MOVED HERE 1955 WHAT A FAMILY/FRIEND...LIVING YOUNG IN MCDANIEL CREST THEN DEERHURST AFTER MARRIAGE DR. BENGE WAS ALWAYS AVAILABLE 24-7 NO MATTER...THANK YOU BENGE FAMILY W/ SINCERE CONDOLENCES/BLESSINGS/LOVE TO FAMILY/FRIENDS...BEVERLY-IN-HEAVEN AND ARNIE SHER SAMSON...TOWNSEND DE.
BEVERLY-IN-HEAVEN/ARNIE SAMSON
January 24, 2021
GOD HAD A PLAN-DR. BENGE HELPED MANY PEOPLE-CONCORD PIKE AREA MANY YEARS-HIS SON ALSO DR HAS PRACTICE-BENGE FAMILY CONTRIBUTED GOOD TO DELAWARE-THANK YOU BENGE FAMILY...SAMSON FAMILY 202/CONCORD PIKE AREA.
HELEN SAMSON FAMILY.
ARNIE SAMSON
January 24, 2020
BENGE FAMILY-FATHER WAS FIRST NVF. PLANT MGR. IN YORLYN DELAWARE-RICH HISTORY WITH HUMBLE BEGINNINGS- BENGE RD NAMED AFTER FATHER-JOHN BENGE SON WAS DOCTOR NORTH WILMINGTON MURPHY RD AND SHIPLEY RD-BRUCE BENGE DOCTOR IS SON OF JOHN-THE BENGE HOME ON BENGE RD IS NOW OWNED BY FRIENDS. JOHN BENGE AND FAMILY WERE LOVING-CARING-GIVING-RESPECTING FAMILY THAT DELAWARE HAD THE PRIVILEDGE OF THE BENGE GOODNESS-THAT HELPED MAKE DELAWARE HEALTHIER.-THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE TODAY THANKS TO THE BENGE FAMILY. MANY DELAWARE FAMILIES TODAY ARE BLESSED FROM THE BENGE FAMILY. THANKS TO BENGE FAMILY FROM SAMSON FAMILY CONCORD PIKE AREA.
Albert Gelb, MD
February 6, 2012
Dear Bruce, sorry to hear about your dad. I had the good fortune of knowing him personally & professionally for a number of years. We who have had such great fathers know how difficult to lose them. Pleas give my condolences to the rest of the family. I am out of town & sorry I could not see you personally.
Shea
February 3, 2012
Dr. Benge was a thoughtful physician and neighbor. He treated our whole family, especially during emergencies. Our prayers are with your family during this time. Sincerely, The Stephen J Shea family
John DeCherney
February 2, 2012
He was a great doctor and a great man. Alev shalom.
Dr. Gary R. P. Morganstern D.D.
February 1, 2012
Dear Family, Medical Schools can educated a Doctor. God gives us great Physians , true healers , who reach not only the illness of our body , the blessed few who heal all our affliction with a great heart. Such was Dr.Benge M.D. who from 1954 cared for my family til his retirement. No man of his profession became more beloved and revered in my life. When my wife in 1973 were a young couple this great soul , refused to take a penny , for our medical needs for 2 1/2 years. He did this many times for many in need, he took his Oath , to the very word , he was a healer. Today as a Cleric I came this afternoon to his grave and send tears of thanks for my beloved Dr.Benge then added prayers. When I left I felt in my heart his hand on my left shoulder as to heear as I did for 4 decades and those words he said each time," You will be fine, Gary. Dr. John H. Benge M.D. gravemarker says it all in one word "PHYSCIAN". Till we meet in Paradise, dear Dr.Benge, I will reconize you as away , the suit coat with the earpieces of your stethascope, hanging out of your left pocket. God Bless you All. Dr Gary R. P.Morganstern D.D. Archbishop
February 1, 2012
Dear Family,
Dr. Benge treated me growing up in Fairfax and in the latter years was there for me when my parents aging began a difficult journey; he always had time and this was so important as I had to come from Texas to get the parents to see Dr. John. I have so many wonderful memories of how he helped me; John, you and I played baseball on the Fairfax Falcons and you were a good teammate, just like your dad. My best to the family.
Ed Gleason, Austin, Texas
Arnie Samson
January 31, 2012
Dr. Benge was on Murphy Rd then Shipley Rd. ALWAYS available, dedicated, giving and not interested in charging too much.
Our Family has been blessed having Dr. Benge as a Friend who cared about people.
Benge road in Yorklyn always brought pleasant memories to me. Thank you Dr. Benge and Family.
Sincerest Love and Condolences.
Arnie Sher Samson
Townsend DE
January 31, 2012
Dear Jim and Joanne,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you both are in my thoughts and prayers.
Eileen Drury
Roxanne Perrrino Walker
January 30, 2012
I will never forget Dr. Benge's kindness to my family. We lived down the street and he never thought twice about walking over when needed during my grandmother's cancer, my father's Parkinson's or one of us kids being sick. Thank you.
The Gaynor's
January 30, 2012
Dr. Benge was a wonderful physician to our family. Now his children and grandchildren are a blessing to the community. We remember the house calls and the great advice he so freely gave. We are saddened by his passing, but hope to see him with the Lord some day!
bunnie gallagher williams
January 30, 2012
I loved and admired Dr. Benge. He was without a doubt the best doctor I've ever known. He always made time to listen. He lived up the street from us in Arden when he was first out of the military. Barbara was my friend. The whole family was special!
Andre Madey
January 30, 2012
Jim;
My condolences on your Dad's passing.
Joan Casarella
January 30, 2012
The world has lost a great man! I worked for Dr. Benge in the evening hours of his practice and was with him when he decided to retire from his practice. I remember planing his retirement party at the dupont Country club. We filed up the whole club and still had a wait list! Dr. Benge was so loved patients were crying when he annouced he was retireing.I can not think of anyone who did not love and admire him for his love dedication both to his family and patients.
Sincerely, Joan Kline Casarella
Lee Middleton
January 30, 2012
Dear Benge family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man, when I moved my Dad to Brandywine several years ago it was Dr.Benge who made me feel so welcome. Our families have shared a lot over the years, the DeCherney children and Benge kids went to school an graduated all together. Hope all will be well.
with fondness,
Lee Middleton
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Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory - Wilmington2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
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