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Gerald Benson Obituary
Born June 27, 1955, in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of the late John and Marion Macnamara Benson.
A graduate of Meyers High School, Class of 1973, he was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War.
Jerry was formerly employed by M. Brenner and Sons Pharmaceutical, Wilkes-Barre, and presently was a sales representative for Value Drug Co., Altoona.
He was a member of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Wilkes-Barre.
He and his wife, the former Marion McGuire, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on Sept 25, 2011.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are daughters, Danielle Benson and her husband, John Rinker, Wilkes-Barre; and Nicole Benson and Jayson Robbins, Wilkes-Barre; son, Jerry Benson and his fiancee, Sarah Loughlin, Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren, Tyler Benson and Lacey Rinker; sisters, Katherine Perillo, Plymouth; and Rosie Thiemann, Wilkes-Barre; brother, William Kline, Harveys Lake; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Kline, and sister, Patricia Kotch.
The family would like to thank Dr. Cynthia Solomon, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, the nursing staff on 7 East and also the other many doctors and nurses that took care of Jerry.
The funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday from Mamary-Durkin Funeral Service, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian in St. Aloysius Church, Wilkes-Barre, at 10 a.m. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Benson
MaryBeth Zelinka
March 2, 2012
So Sorry for your loss and it is a great one. Jerry was an amazing person that will be sadly missed. Take strength in knowing he is in a far better place then us and he is pain free. Prayers are with you all through this difficult time.
Deborah Breznitsky
March 2, 2012
Mare and Family, So sorry to hear about Jerry. We worked together for many years. I considered him a true friend. When I took another job and was no longer working with Jerry he stopped by my home to see how I was doing. We talked and he told me about his illness. Never did I think that Jerry could not beat it. He was an exceptional person who loved his family and would never turn his back on anyone. The last time we talked he listened to me and gave me some great advice that has helped me a great deal. That is the kind of man Jerry was even though he was hurting he took time to listen and help me. I feel truly blessed to have known Jerry. Mare I know he loved you very much and my heart goes out you and your family.
March 2, 2012
Danielle and Family
Monnalou and I would like to offer our condolences on the passing of your Father. Remember the good memories of him and that will get you through the difficult times. He was certainly too young to be taken from you, but know that he is sitting with the Lord today and looking down on you and your Family. Just knowing this should bring some comfort to you and your Family. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Stephen and MonnaLou Henninger
Shanna Dawson
March 2, 2012
Danielle and Family,
So so sorry to hear about your Dad. I always remember how kind he was to me and how he made me feel like part of your family while I was in school away from my own family. I hope you can find peace in all this and find comfort in each other. You are all very close to each other and will get through this. I am praying for your family....Love to you all.
Love,
Shanna (Henninger) Dawson
George Chapman
March 1, 2012
Marion and Family, I was so saddened when I heard that Jerry had passed. He has been a great friend of mine for over 25 years. Most recently while he worked for Value Drug our paths crossed often as we shared the same industry. He was loved by many and will be missed. He was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John Konopki
March 1, 2012
When I read about this I was shocked and saddened. Mr. Benson (as I called him) was always kind, good spirited and always had a smile on his face. I remember when my twins were young he would always stop by and talk to them. Everyone in the Benson family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Cash
March 1, 2012
Mare, you're in my thoughts and prayers, I pray you and your family will draw on each others strenghts through this time. 35 years of marriage, friends, confidant, and companion, you are blessed
Jamie Bechtel
February 29, 2012
Jerry was a great person. He influenced my life for the better through being a good neighbor and coach. He led by example. My condolences go out to you Mar, Danielle, Nicole and Jerry. He will be missed.
Tom DePietro
February 29, 2012
To the Benson family,
Over the past couple of months I had the honor to work with Jerry on my new pharmacy. I met Jerry at Starbucks so we can go over the Value program....He didn't explain it well and I had more doubts about it, but during the meeting I can tell Jerry was a real down to earth, honest, hardworking person that would never steer me wrong. He looked me in the eye and I trusted him with my future as an independent pharmacist. I trusted him with my livelihood. We met a few times for breakfast and lunch when the project got going. During Jerry's most difficult times, he took the time to call me to see how I was doing, if I had any questions, if I needed any help. He was battling for his life and he was worried about ME. It is an honor to call Jerry my friend. Everyday when I walk into my store I will remember how it all started in a Starbucks with Jerry. He gained a big spot in my heart. Although selfish of me I am sorry he won't be able to see my store open Monday. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time. We can all count on having a great angel looking over us.
Tom DePietro
Joe Kochuba
February 29, 2012
Marion, Nicole, Danielle, Little Jerry, and Family:
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will sincerely miss Jerry greeting me with a smile and a hello each time I would pull up in my car when visiting my family over the last twenty years. He was a great man and will be truly missed. God bless.
February 29, 2012
Mar, Nicole, Danielle, Jerry and family,
Truly sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was a good man and a great friend and will be sadly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark and Paulette Williams and family.
Michael Brown
February 29, 2012
To the Benson family we wish you peace and understanding at this very difficult time. Jerry was an exceptional person who I had the pleasure of working with many years ago. A professional in every way. His legacy is his loving family. He will be missed by many. God Bless!
John Brown
February 29, 2012
Sorry for your loss. Jerry was a pleasure to work with!
From the staffs of Browns pharmacy, Troy and Canton
And also Millers Pharmacy, Wyalusing
Patrice Mulhern
February 29, 2012
Nicole, I am sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Your are in my thoughts.
Patrice
Kelly Graham
February 29, 2012
Well this is a very hard thing for me to sit here and try to write but here it goes....to the man that was my second father for so ooo many years...u will be missed so much...by so many but our memories will be there forever!! Your fight is over now...you can rest...love you lots my big jerry!!!!
Michael James
February 29, 2012
Marion and Family, Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. I had the opportunity to rub elbows with Jerry on several occasions as our children attended St. Al's and Meyers HS together. He was a gracious and kind person always extending a hand in welcome when our paths crossed. Please keep these memories with you as you go through your healing process. Mike and Ashley James
February 29, 2012
My deepest sympathy to all the family.
The legacy passed on by Jerry and his beloved wife is evident in the loving family he leaves behind. May he rest in the peace he so richly deserves after a long struggle. Sue Strassman
Victoria Smith
February 29, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts & prayers.
Robert and Linda (DeBoo) Buynak
February 29, 2012
Dear Marion and family. Bob and I are so saddened by the news of Jerry's passing. Please accept our condolences. You are in our prayers. Keep close all the wonderful memories, and love from family and friends.
Matilda Gagliardi
February 29, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss...Jerry was a wonderful person and will be missed...Michael Gagliardi and family
Alyson, Pj and Erika Graham
February 29, 2012
You are in our thoughts
as you find your way though this.
We are praying for your healing,
with the passage of time.
We know you miss him;
We send our understanding
and consolation.
Know that the strain, the pain,
will eventually ease.
May your pleasant memories
sustain and comfort you.
You are in our thoughts.
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