George Franklin Benson Jr.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

I am John D. Bonaventura Jr. I was a student of George's from 1977 to early 1980. Studying Jazz improvisation with him also gave me a friend that helped me thru some hard times the biggest thrill I had with him was, I was in The Rhoedes Band playing at a wedding, the tune we were playing was "Blue Bassa Nova" at the end of the tune I opened my eyes n there he was, my mentor George Benson with a big smile. he turned walked away n as he left the room he was still smiling. I feeling I had was...

I took jazz improv lessons with George, he was so encouraging and patient. So sad to hear of his passing. I still have my notebook from my lessons with him.

George and LaJune were our neighbord on Ilene street and Kim and Mike were playmates of my children. Nice people and good neighbors.

I just found George's obituary too late. George and LaJune were my neighbors on Ilene street. Kim and Mike were my children's friends. They were fine people.

I met George in 1953 when I was assigned to the 264th Army Band in Schofield Barracks on Oahu. We spent many hours playing and between gigs talking about our state, our cities and our schools for the 18 months of our time together. We met again on the web and spent the last many years contacting on Facebook as we talked about our families and physical woes. Now that he has taken the lead into our after-life, I will be looking for him when I go. Be patient, old friend.

I met George through Miriam Wright, a 102 year old lady that passed away in December. She knew and loved George, having gotten to know him over her years as a pianist and jazz lover. I would drive her to many of the jazz perfomances over the years and she would always seek out some of her dear friends. When George was ill, she made sure to have me help her a get well card for him. Even in her last few months, she would ask me if I had read anything about how he was doing. The last...