Richard Dana Benton

Richard Dana "Rick" Benton, 68, of 29 Charlotte Ave., Bradford, passed away Saturday (June 16, 2012) at UPMC Hamot in Erie after a brief illness.
Born Dec. 7, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of the late Oscar Freeman and Virginia Dana Benton.
Mr. Benton was a 1961 graduate of Bradford High School and a 1965 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor of science degree in social studies education. He also received a master's of arts in history from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and a curriculum specialist/supervisor certificate from St. Bonaventure University.
He was employed by the Bradford area schools as a teacher and department head for more than 37 years.
After retirement, he was employed as a director of community affairs for Dallas-Morris Drilling Co. Inc., and as a member of Bradford City Council.
Mr. Benton was active in many community organizations as an officer and/or board member and gave numerous programs on many topics, including Bradford City street names. He was a member and officer of the First Presbyterian Church of Bradford.
He is survived by a sister, Suzanne Benton (the late Jay) Bernardini of Conneaut, Ohio; one nephew, John Brian (Beth) Bernardini of Concord Township, Ohio; one niece, Elizabeth (Edward) Prince of Lithonia, Ga.; one aunt, Betty Whitney of Bradford; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by two uncles, Irvin Dana and Robert Benton; and three aunts, Grace Dana Weaver, Garnet Dana Theodore and Hazel Benton Pascarella.
At Mr. Benton's request, there will be no public visitation, funeral or memorial service. Private burial was in Willow Dale Cemetery. Family will be receiving friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorials may be made to Evergreen Elm Inc., 71 Main St., Suite 303, Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com