Perkasie, Pennsylvania
Gregory J. Benson, of Perkasie, PA, and formerly of Syracuse, NY, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. He was 48.
He was the husband of Lynne A. (O’Neill) Benson. The couple would have celebrated their 17th Wedding Anniversary on December 18, 2016.
Born and raised in Marcellus, NY, he was the son of Peter Benson of Woodstock, NY, and the late Carol (Wood) Benson. A graduate of Marcellus High School, he attained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and Music Performance from Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, and a Master’s Degree in Education from Syracuse University.
Since 2000, Mr. Benson was a music teacher in the Pennridge School District, at Pennridge High School, South Middle School, Guth Elementary School and other Pennridge elementary schools. Prior to that he taught in the Central Bucks School District and schools in New York State and Maryland.
Mr. Benson directed the Pennridge High School and South Middle School Jazz Bands for many years. He was the Band Director of the Pennridge High School Rams Marching Band from 2012-2015. He was named Jazz Director of the Year by Cavalcade of Bands.
In addition to music which was his passion, Greg loved long walks with his wife and dogs out in the countryside, gardening and studying World War II history. Mr. Benson also enjoyed the opportunity to serve as music director for the Uptown String Band for 3 years. He attended Covenant Church, Doylestown, PA.
Surviving with his wife, father and step-mother are two brothers, Richard Benson and his wife Jean Marie of Georgia, and Charles Benson and his wife Jackie of Virginia; two sisters, Katherine Hager and her husband Daniel, of New York State, and Beth Benson, of Georgia as well as aunts, uncles and many nieces and nephews.
The Memorial Service for Mr. Benson will be held at the Pennridge High School Main Auditorium, 1228 North Fifth Street, Perkasie on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 6:30 PM.
Private graveside services will be held in Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Perkasie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gregory J. Benson Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Penn Community Bank, P.O. Box 176, Perkasie, 18944 Attn. Market Street Office.
Arrangements are by the Bernard Suess Funeral Home, 606 Arch Street, Perkasie.
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Greg was the best uncle anyone could ask for. He and I had so much in common and it was so easy to talk to! There was this one time when he visited and this was the first time I had met him, I asked my mom if I could give him a hug and kiss goodnight and I know that that memory will never go away. He's also one reason as to why I want to be a teacher. I love you uncle greg and i miss you so much!!!!
Anna Benson
November 09, 2021
Mr. Benson was the best band director I could have ever ask for. I will be forever blessed to be one of his students when I had the opportunity. I never go a day without thinking about him, even if it's only for a second. He will always be in all of our hearts, and as Andrew Lloyd Webber would say in Love Never Dies, "Love never dies, love will continue, love keeps on beating when you're gone. Love never dies, love will continue. Life may be fleeting, love lives on! Life may be fleeting, love...
Katelyn Keller
February 21, 2021 | Perkasie, PA | Student
Mr. Bensons first year at Dundalk High School was my Senior year - 1994. He had some pretty big shoes to fill, and fill them he did. He was quick-witted and a wonderful teacher and friend to his students. For those of us who truly embraced our inner Band Geeks, like he did, he reminded us of the fun, silly side of music while teaching us the stern, serious side. I remember spending a ridiculous amount of time in the band room, marching, jazz, symphonic and concert...sitting and talking about...
Jarrod Walp
October 09, 2018 | Jarrettsville(formerly Of Du, MD | Student
Greg was an amazing band teacher. I was in awe of how he inspired his students to play their best! He was a wonderful friend and coworker at both South and Guth. I know he is now jamming with the Angels! You will be missed, but we know you are in a better place. God bless you and your family.
Kathy Jenkins
December 12, 2016 | Lansdale, PA
Mr. Benson was my older son's band director for four years and my younger son's for one. I knew that my boys loved him, but I didn't know why until I started working with him this year at Seylar Elementary where I frequently sub. Mr. Benson and I frequently did bus duty together, and he always started off my day by making me laugh. He actually made bus duty fun for me. Before this year he was my boys' band director, but this year he truly became my friend. I will miss this special friend and...
Cindy PourJalilvand
December 12, 2016 | Dublin, PA
I taught with Greg while at Guth Elementary. Who can forget Sgt. Beauregard (Greg) blowing his trumpet down the fifth grade hall calling his troups to rally. During our Civil War unit, "the Sargeant" taught the troops how to march in formation, follow directions, and stay on alert. After all, our safety depended on them. The kids loved him.
But nothing compared to his bands, as he entertained us year after year.
I remember one concert when the "Pirates of the Caribbean" theme...
Ellen Pavie
December 12, 2016
We are so sad and will deeply miss Mr. Benson. The beautiful memorial service last night at Pennridge High School captured his wonderful qualities, musical direction, influence and mentoring. Our son Michael was so enriched by his experiences in Jazz band, and we cherish these memories now more than ever. Please know Mr. Benson will always have an extra special place in our hearts!
Jeannine Petteruti
December 11, 2016 | Chalfont, PA
Lauren E with Mr Benson
Mike Eberhardt
December 10, 2016
Nichole E with Mr Benson
Mike Eberhardt
December 10, 2016
