Daniel Benger

Daniel Benger Attorney Daniel E. Benger, longtime resident of Long Beach and Cypress, passed away on May 4, 2010 in Scottsdale, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was born in Shanghai, China following his parent's flight from Nazi Germany and lived there until he was nine years old. The family came to the United States and settled in Long Beach where he attended Burnett Elementary School, Hughes Junior High school and was a graduate of the Class of 1958 from Poly High School. During his three years at Poly, he participated in many sports and was a member of Kappa Rho Phi Fraternity. Following his graduation from Poly, he enrolled at Long Beach City College as a physical education major. He was a member of the Tilsman Club and in 1959 became one of the schools' yell leaders. He worked many part-time jobs while in college: coached at John Brown Military Academy, St. Catherine's Military Academy, Disneyland as wells as a camp counselor at the Jewish Community Center. He transferred to Long Beach State College in the fall of 1960 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education as well as a minor in history. In 1963, he married his life's partner, Carol Steindel and began his teaching career at Artesia High School. He taught history and coached basketball, football, cross-country and track and became the school counselor at Tetzloff Junior High School in the ABC School District where he was voted teacher of the year and the yearbook was dedicated to him. In 1970, he was accepted for admittance by Pepperdine University School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1974. Thus, beginning his thirty-five-year career as a sole practitioner with offices in Artesia, Cerritos and Bellflower. Dan is survived by his wife, Carole of forty-seven years; his son, Brent Benger; daughter, Tracey Goldman and son-in-law, Mark Goldman, Melinda Benger Deegan and son-in-law, Robert Deegan, Michelle Benger Merrill and son-in-law, David Merrill. In addition, he leaves behind six beloved grandchildren, Jakob Benger, Joshua Goldman, Jonah and Issac Deegan and Sylvia and Elias Merrill; as well as numerous lifelong friends. He loved to travel and meet people. For many years, he was able to travel the world and enjoyed it immensely. Those who knew him best will remember his sympathetic ear, his big heart and passion for family, friends and his beloved L.A. Dodgers. The family suggests donations in Dan's name to the charity of your choice.