About
Gerry Benson Obituary
Gerry Benson, 91, passed away surrounded by family on May 11, 2024, in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Born on January 30, 1933 in Brooklyn, Gerry was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
An elegant man with a magnetic smile, Gerry was talented, athletic, brilliant, and commanding. Charismatic and generous, he left a lasting impact on many lives. An avid reader and crossword solver, Gerry's passions included history, geography, Jeopardy, finance, wagon-reconstruction, and community service. A quintessential New Yorker, he dedicated over 30 years as the president of his coop. His leadership skills and commitment to serve and contribute to his Fire Island and NYC communities inspired grace, growth, and gratitude.
Gerry graduated with honors from Erasmus Hall and Cum Laude from Amherst College where he was captain of the basketball team and president of Chi Phi. As R.O.T.C., he served in the Air Force from November 1955 to April 1958 as a First Lieutenant, Triple Rated, and trained as a navigator. Following his military service, Gerry pursued successful careers in real estate and in insurance as a broker and a consultant.
Gerry's dedication to his family was resolute. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, JoAnne Benson, his children Lisa Gayle Benson and Steven Eugene Benson, his stepson Jeff Baiocco, his grandsons Forest Wilt Summers, Brian David Ault, and Daniel Brandon Ault, and his great-granddaughter Lilia Ebba Summers. Gerry was preceded in death by his beloved mother Ethel Brandwynne Benson, father Samuel Alter Benson, and brother Mason Benson.
Gerry found solace in working hard, solving problems, improving conditions, the stars, the ocean and in nature. He enjoyed a variety of hobbies including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, waterskiing, scuba diving, and socializing. Gerry's zest for life and commitment to excellence are like seeds he scattered and nurtured so the fruits of his labor would be enjoyed by many.
A memorial service to celebrate Gerry's wonderful life will be held, and for more information, please contact Lisa Benson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made by performing good deeds in Gerry Benson's name, spreading lovingkindness, and making positive choices for ourselves and each other to honor the brilliant light of his memory.
The Beth Moses Cemetery is assisting the family with the arrangements. Gerry's legacy of kindness, community service, and love will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in PEACE! Shine on forever, Gerry, like the colorful lights of the Aurora Borealis blazing your gloriousness on the night you passed!
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Deirdre Scher
December 6, 2024
Gerry was such an iconic figure in Ocean Ridge. He was fun, happy and he loved his beach passionately.
Dearest Lisa and Steve- I will do a good deed in Gerry´s name and I am sending you love and light- we shared so much in our times together.
Hugs,
Deirdre (Scher)
Toni Keech
May 30, 2024
31 years of wedded bliss with JoAnne, no one made him happier!
Toni Keech
May 30, 2024
Toni Keech
May 30, 2024
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Toni Keech
May 30, 2024
Toni Keech
May 30, 2024
Toni Keech
May 30, 2024
Toni Keech
May 30, 2024
Elizabeth Kieffer
May 30, 2024
The last time I saw Gerry, he had the largest smile on his face I have ever seen as the father of the bride. So proud and so charming. A smile to Light up the entire room! God rest his spirit and God Bless all who love him.
Billie scherrer
May 30, 2024
Love and prayers
George Brady
May 29, 2024
Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Forest Summers
May 23, 2024
The first time I met Gerry was on Fire Island. He was wearing red polo and was waiting for me in the dock. He had a huge smile, and gave me a big hug and kiss. He gave me confidence and energy. I respected him. I found him debonair, confident, loving, interesting, approachable; but mostly I just enjoyed being around him. Those mornings doing little projects on his house...such an incredible and warm memory.
Lisa Benson
May 23, 2024
Dad, Steve, and I would meet in Grandma's home in Naples, Florida and enjoy just being together with our extended family. Dad taught us to play Chess and Backgammon. It was always wonderful; being with Dad made the moments glorious. I am so grateful. Look at that smile!
Steven Eugene Benson
May 20, 2024
Steven Eugene Benson
May 20, 2024
Steven Eugene Benson
May 20, 2024
Steven Eugene Benson
May 20, 2024
Steven Eugene Benson
May 20, 2024
Steven Eugene Benson
May 20, 2024
My Father taking me scuba diving in the French West Indies. I was 15 years old.
Lisa Benson
May 19, 2024
DAD gave this eulogy ten or so years ago for his partner and friend Bob Wilson. It was written in all caps and had a few hand-written edits.
"44 YEARS AGO, BOB STOPPED ME ON SPINDRIFT WALK IN DAVIS PARK AND SAID HE HAD HEARD THAT I WAS IN THE INSURANCE BUSINESS. THAT WAS A LUCKY DAY FOR ME AND THE START OF A VERY SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP AND WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIP.
ALTHOUGH WE DIDN'T ALWAYS AGREE AND EACH MADE BUSINESS MISTAKES, I CAN'T RECALL THAT THERE EVER WAS A HARSH WORD BETWEEN US BUT THERE WERE PLENTY OF LAUGHS, GOOD TIMES AND VERY GOOD FEELINGS.
BUT IT WAS MORE THAN JUST BETWEEN US. I CAME TO KNOW AND CARE DEEPLY FOR HIS FAMILY, PARTICULARLY THE BEAUTIFUL, FUNNY, INTELLIGENT PEGGY [his wife]. ASIDE FROM MANY VISITS AT DAVIS PARK, WE VACATIONED, CELEBRATED ANNIVERSARIES ETC. TOGETHER.
WHEN DAUGHTER MEG FIRST ASKED ME TO SPEAK TODAY, I THOUGHT THAT I COULDN'T DO IT. HOWEVER, THE NEED TO SAY SOMETHING FINALLY OVERWHELMED MY RELUCTANCE. ALTHOUGH MANY THOUGHTS PASSED THROUGH MY MIND, I REALIZED THERE ARE UST A FEW MORE THINGS I DO WANT TO SAY TODAY.
HE OFTEN THOUGHT MORE ABOUT HIS EMPLOYEES THAN HIMSELF. AS THE MAJORITY STOCKHOLDER OF OUR FIRM, HE COULD HAVE LIVED A MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE LIFE BUT CHOSE TO SHARE A VERY SUBSTANTIAL PACKAGE OF BENEFITS WITH HIS EMPLOYEES EVEN WHEN ON OCCASION THINGS GOT A LITTLE TIGHT. NOT EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT HIS LARGESSE BUT I CERTAINLY DID AND I NEVER QUESTIONED HIS MOTIVES.
HE WAS REALLY A VERY SPECIAL PERSON AND I LEARNED A GREAT DEAL FROM HIM. NOT ABOUT INSURANCE. NEITHER OF US UNDERSTOOD THE OTHER'S FIELD OF INSURANCE, WHICH PROBABLY CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO OUR COMPATIBILITY.
MOST IMPORTANTLY WHAT I DID LEARN FROM HIM WAS HOW TO FOLLOW HIS LEAD AND BECOME A BETTER HUMAN BEING.
I LOVED THE MAN.
I'LL MISS HIM VERY MUCH."
Lisa Benson
May 18, 2024
Summers on Fire Island with Grandpa...
Lisa Benson
May 18, 2024
Two of Dad's three grandsons, Brian David (aka Bodhi) and Daniel Brandon...
Lisa Benson
May 18, 2024
An honor and a privilege to hold you, Dad.. "The Heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes...
Lisa Benson
May 18, 2024
Dad fertilized the trees in his rooftop garden...most of them grew from bird droppings...he loved nurturing life.
Lisa Benson
May 18, 2024
In the year 2000, Dad enrolled in a Trees New York Citizen Pruner Course. He was licensed to carry pruners and prune street trees. The New York City Adult Manual is comprehensive. Looks like he was a Special Visitor to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden several weeks in June to complete this course. He loved beauty and was so good. He always left a place better having been there.
Jennifer Prendergast
May 18, 2024
We were deeply saddened to hear about your father´s passing. Although we only had the pleasure of meeting him once it was clear he was a remarkable man who lived a full and meaningful life. We hope you all find comfort in the belief that his spirit is now at peace and surrounded by love. May the memories of his vibrant life bring you solace during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Of course if there is anything you need we are here for you Lisa much love .
Jenne&Tom
KimberlyTiffany
May 17, 2024
Million blessings to you Gerry as your spirit soars through infinity. Thank you for creating your beautiful daughter Lisa whom I cherish dearly. Sat Nam. Akal Akal Akal
Lisa Benson
May 17, 2024
In the early 70s, Dad drove my brother and me around on his 1971 Harleigh Davidson Electroglide motorcycle. It was both exhilarating and comforting to hold onto my father while careening through cars on our way to Palisades Amusement Park or Fire Island.
When I interviewed Dad a few years ago, he told me that his first motorcycle was a Vespa. Grandma had won $200 at a charitable event in the Delmonico Hotel in las Vegas, and he took the Vespa. He was the epitome of fabulous.
Norris Chappell Jr
May 17, 2024
My family and I had the fortunate experience of living in the same building as Gerry, getting to know him as he served as the board president, and then later, to continue our friendship. We truly felt at home together - almost like family!
One of my children´s favorite experiences with "uncle" Gerry, was leading up to the excitement of Halloween, when he would take each of them together to pick out their favorite Halloween costumes. As our family grew, so did the cost - but his generosity knew no bounds. I think he might´ve had as much fun as they had selecting characters and costumes!
Gerry was a nurturer at heart, as evidenced by his terrific green thumb; which resulted in a beautiful penthouse terrace full of green foliage that he maintained. Sometimes, when he and JoAnne were away, we had the privilege to water those plants, or later, to have our older children water them (of course Gerry was always so sweet to compensate them for their time, which was completely unnecessary). Although we never could reproduce the same "green thumb" magic that he somehow managed, it was always worth the effort to try - and he always expressed his gratitude & appreciation!
I could go on and on with how wonderful Gerry "is"....and I say "is" because he will live on in our hearts and memories. I think lovingkindness was a very appropriate word choice - it truly embodied who he was - and we will continue his legacy in our efforts to do good deeds and help others with that same measure of goodwill!
Until we meet again, my friend!
Norris Chappell Jr
May 17, 2024
My family and I had the fortunate experience of living in the same building as Gerry, getting to know him as he served as the board president, and then later, to continue our friendship. We truly felt at home together - almost like family!
One of my children´s favorite experiences with "uncle" Gerry, was leading up to the excitement of Halloween, when he would take each of them together to pick out their favorite Halloween costumes. As our family grew, so did the cost - but his generosity knew no bounds. I think he might´ve had as much fun as they had selecting characters and costumes!
Gerry was a nurturer at heart, as evidenced by his terrific green thumb; which resulted in a beautiful penthouse terrace full of green foliage that he maintained. Sometimes, when he and JoAnne were away, we had the privilege too water those plants, or later, to have our older children water them (of course Gerry was always so sweet to compensate them for their time, which was completely unnecessary). Although we never could reproduce the same "green thumb" magic that he somehow managed, it was always worth the effort to try - and he always expressed his gratitude unappreciation!
I could go on and on with how wonderful Gerry "is"....and I say "is" because he will live on in our hearts and memories. I think lovingkindness was a very appropriate word choice - it truly embodied who he was - and we will continue his legacy in our efforts to do good deeds and help others with that same measure of goodwill!
Until we meet again, my friend!
Tara Reed
May 17, 2024
Scuba diving down in Turks and Caicos with Steve, Lisa, Gerry and Tara.
I have always enjoyed Gerry's company. He was very thoughtful and caring.
Gary Wohlman
May 17, 2024
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Juliette Levin
May 17, 2024
Gerry was a loyal client and down to earth human being whom I liked the minute I met him. HIs legacy of kindness, love of all things beautiful and commitment to make the world a better place lives on in all those he touched. You will continue to inspire from on high.
Ronald Ault
May 16, 2024
Gerry was a warm and caring person- I felt his acceptance the first time I met him for an introductory dinner with Lisa. I told Gerry that if I had interviewed every man in America for a GrandFather to my Sons, I could not have found a better man than he...rest in peace, Gerry
Daniel Ault
May 16, 2024
Grandpa was an extraordinary human being who I looked up to very much. He was sharp as a tack. He knew how to party and loved to celebrate life. He had a radiant smile that would light up any room and a love for the ocean. Most of my memories with Grandpa were at his beautiful beach house on fire island, where he loved to garden and relax. He was a surfer, scuba diver and water skier so when I'm chasing a thrill on the beach, I know where I get it from. It's impossible to summarize my memories and feelings here... You will be revered and missed Grandpa, we love you always.
Sarah Prendergast
May 16, 2024
Sending live and comfort to all who knew and Love Gerry.
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
Make a Donation
in Gerry Benson's name
How to support Gerry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gerry Benson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
