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Gregory J. Benton I
1950 - 2022
Gregory J. Benton I
1950 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1950
DIED
2022
Gregory Benton I Obituary
Wilton, NY- Gregory J. Benton I, 71, passed away October 12, 2022, surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Santa, his son Gregory II, his daughter Starrla (Williams), his grandchildren Addison and Tyler, his son-in-law Ian, his brother/sister-in-law Lewis and Linda Benton, his sisters -in- law/husbands Sharon and Anthony Licata, and Shelley and Keith Hodgson, along with several nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Saratoga High School, served in the U.S. Marine Corp, and served as president of the union for several years at the Saratoga Springs D.P.W. where he retired from in 2006. He started his career there as an arborist and later became the Director of Beautification, where he designed, planted, and maintained the beautiful flower beds along Broadway, Union Avenue, Congress Park, just to name a few. In addition, he served as a flower consultant at the Saratoga Race Track for two summers.
Greg enjoyed spending time with his family, working on his flowers, golfing, RV camping, home remodeling and hosting large parties. He often shared that some of his favorite memories were: spending Christmas Eve at Starrla and Ian’s house, with all the family especially his grandchildren who loved their “Poppy”; helping his son Gregory with a massive home renovation project and all of the antics and fun they had doing it; enjoying the condo he and Santa owned in Myrtle Beach where they lived for several months each year, their vacation in Italy; having morning coffee with his brother Lew; and golfing with his brother and his brothers-in-law.
The family would like to extend their gratitude for the exceptional medical treatment Greg received from the most brilliant doctors: Dr. John Delmonte (Oncologist) and Dr. Alex Frank (Oncology Radiologist) and their remarkable staff members. In addition, they would like to acknowledge the professionalism and incredible care provided by Steve Millington, Karen Buczkowski, Kelli Foley, and Tom Ryberg of the Saratoga Chapter of Community Hospice.
At the family’s request, services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
If you so desire, contributions can be made in Greg’s memory to: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Kelly’s Angels Inc., or a charity of your choice.
Mary Eveland
November 29, 2022
My condolences to his family. He worked on the city with my father, Bill Freeman, and was a friend of my stepfather. He was a nice man.
Wayne Saxton
October 24, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I´ve known Greg for many years and he was a wonderful man. RIP my friend.
Wayne Saxton
Santa Benton
October 23, 2022
Santa Benton
October 23, 2022
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Santa Benton
October 23, 2022
Santa Benton
October 23, 2022
Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa V Benton
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Santa Benton
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Santa Benton
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Casey Dougall
October 22, 2022
Uncle Greg was such a friendly, caring man. I enjoyed our time together, and the family holidays we got to cherish.
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will love you and miss you always.
Jeff Loya
October 21, 2022
So sorry Santa , Greg is a great friend and even though I haven't seen him in some time I will always remember are golf days with the American Legion , and especially the cold Genny and hot peppers by the garden! Sure will be missed!
Rita Bull
October 21, 2022
Santa and family so sorry to hear of Greg passing we hope great memories of Greg make these difficult days a little easier Dave& Rita Bull
Donna (Patterson) McCarthy
October 21, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Mike Mullaney
October 20, 2022
Greg adn his family were fantastic Southside Saratogians, from Jefferson Street to Adams Street. One of my fondest memories of Greg comes from a bit more than 20 years ago or so when Tony McCarthy Sr., Ed McMahon, Ron Millis Sr., Greg, myself and Greg Jr - way too many big old guys in one car -- made a crazy drive deep into the Adirondacks because we got it into our heads to visit the Seabiscuit Inn in Wells, N.Y. Greg Jr. was terrifically game to put up with all of us after stopping by every bar we came across. We'll miss Greg Sr.
Susan Eveland
October 20, 2022
Santa and family, my deepest condolences to you all, on the loss of your husband and father. He will missed by so many
William Dickinson
October 19, 2022
Uncle Greg, you were an amazing uncle, and you tought me so many things about construction, landscaping and Heavy Equipment... I will always cherish the memories we had , our phone calls about BOCES, building the shelves in my room at my old house when I was little, building the front deck, helping you remodel little Greg's house in Troy, and going to your house and teaching me how to run the back- hoe . You were so smart and could do anything! Thankyou Uncle Greg, I promise to make you proud as I continue my journey in the heavy equipment/ blue collar industry. Fly High Uncle Greg, I will miss you.
Gregory J. Benton II
October 19, 2022
Gregory J. Benton II
October 19, 2022
Gregory J. Benton II
October 19, 2022
Gregory J. Benton II
October 19, 2022
Gregory J. Benton II
October 19, 2022
Gregory J. Benton II
October 19, 2022
Gregory J. Benton II
October 19, 2022
Gregory J. Benton II
October 19, 2022
Gregory J. Benton II
October 19, 2022
Don Britten
October 19, 2022
Greg was just a great person who I called a friend for almost 60 years. Those who knew him are feeling a great loss right now. Rest In Peace my friend until we meet again.
Anthony Licata
October 19, 2022
Gregory was not just my Brother-in-law, he was my best friend. I will miss his frequent phone calls and smiling face. His kind heart was always out there to help anyone. I can remember one day on coffee break while working for Saratoga DPW a couple of homeless people outside and Greg said "come on we got to get them a cup of coffee and a donut". People like him can never be replaced. I will miss him dearly and his big heart.
Jim Lant
October 19, 2022
To all of Greg’s family I am truly sorry to hear the news of his passing. I have known him for more years than I can remember. He always made me laugh with some witty comment. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. It’s our fond memories that help us all to get through tuff times.I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
Starrla Williams
October 18, 2022
The void my Dad´s passing has left is immeasurable. He was a loving and supportive father who never missed a single event in our lives no matter how big or small. He loved his grandchildren madly and loved spending time with them. I will forever miss our joking back and forth. He was funny, kind and would always get a little teary when opening a card or gift. He was a gentle giant who would always dance with my mom when their song came on the radio(no matter where they were). He taught us we could do anything and would always be in our corner. He would give the shirt off his back to a person in need and taught us to do the same.
Until we are together again we will continue to keep you with us in our memories and heart.
All my love Daddy,
Starrla a.k.a. "Stinky"
John and Linda Hodgson
October 18, 2022
Our thought and prayers are with the family. I met Greg in my later teens. Greg and my brother were very close. They hung around the house alot and he loved my dad. Greg was someone I looked up to, he was a big influence on one of the best decisions I made in my career, joining the U.S. Coast Guard. Rest in peace my friend. Semper Fi.
Dan Murphy & Susan Fitzsimmons
October 18, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss !
Our condolences to the family.
Susan Fitzsimmons and Dan Murphy
Derrian Hodgson
October 18, 2022
Uncle Greg I will always cherish our times on the golf course with dad, you were always alot of fun. I'll never forget the time in Maine when you and dad hit someone with a golf ball and hid, so me and my buddy got blamed lol. Thankyou for all your help when the tree fell on my house too. I love you and miss you big guy.
Peg Jennings
October 18, 2022
You were a cousin I never got to know. I meant up with you a few years ago and we were going to get together, but never did. We would see each other when we were kids at Grandma B’s for Christmas but that was about it. You would think Schuylerville and Saratoga were miles away. Rest In Peace cousin.
Bonnie and Ron Marcellus
October 18, 2022
Santa & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will always cherish the great memories we have of Greg. He was a great friend and neighbor. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
All our love,
Craig Walton
October 17, 2022
Starrla and family - my thoughts are with you in this difficult time - your Dad was with me in coaching you and other members of our Miss Saratoga Softball team ( including my daughters Ashley and Chelsea ) back in the day - he was a truly kind and giving person to be associated with - I often think of those days we had together - thank you Greg for your service to your country and your community
Bob loeffler
October 17, 2022
I am so sorry to hear about my good friend Greg. We were friends since the early 50s. He will always be in my heart.
Bob loeffler
Tony Licata
October 17, 2022
Losing my Brother in Law, Gregory Benton was one of the hardest things in my life. He was always there for his family and anyone else who needed help. We had so many great times together with him and my other Brother in law Keith. Probably something we will never forget is the day Keith and I put an exploding golf ball on a tee at Brookhaven the watched him jump when it exploded. He didn't want us near him the rest of the day. He will be missed not only by his beautiful family but the people of Saratoga for the work that he did making Saratoga beautiful. It was his pride and joy. He sacrificed a lot. He will be in our hearts forever.
Doug Closinski
October 17, 2022
Santa and Family. Jeana and I are very sorry for your loss. Greg was a great neighbor to us when we lived next door. Always willing to help anytime we needed it. We will remember Greg and will be thinking of you.
Lisamarie & Adam Dapper
October 17, 2022
A Husband, a father, a friend, there's nothing like losing someone you love.. I hope you cherish the time you had, and feel all the love and support from everyone around you. Sending all our love.
mark senecal
October 17, 2022
I grew up with Greg on the south side of Saratoga and he was like a big brother.my deepest condolences to Santa and family.
Shelley and Keith Hodgson
October 17, 2022
Greg was our family's patriarch and big brother. He always watched over Santa and us when we were just teenagers. He walked me down the aisle when I married my husband Keith. One of the strongest memories I have is when Greg and Santa would talk on the phone before they were married. They talked and talked and talked and talked and then said I love you to each other over and over and over. Sharon and I would mimic them and beg them to hang up so that we could use the phone... Keith loved to fish and play golf with Greg. They tried to outdo each other with their chili recipes. Life isn't perfect - there are always ups and downs. But love of family always wins out. We planted trees to grow tall and strong like our Greg. We love you and miss you, but we have so many memories to cherish.
Corinne Scirocco
October 17, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. There isn't any miracle time frame for healing, maybe it never comes. But your family and friend will help you get through it.
Ruth Ellen Penney
October 16, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with you Santa and your family. May you find peace in all the special memories you shared together.
Gregory John
Sharon Licata
October 16, 2022
Our hearts are broken. My family will never be the same
Greg was the best Brother in law anyone could ask for. He was fun, strong, talented and loving. Not to mention a handsome devil. He had the biggest heart. He has been my brother for over fifty years. We all grew up together. We had some great times together. We had tough times too but we always loved each other...warts and all. He will be missed. He is at rest.
I love you Gregory John. Until we meet again. May the Blessed Virgin Mary hold you in the palm of her hands. Xxoo
JoAnn Hughes
October 16, 2022
Santa. I am so sorry to hear of Greg's passing. He was a good friend and co-worker during our years at DPW. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.
Michael Licata
October 16, 2022
Our Thoughts and Prayers for the Benton family. Greg was a Great Friend to My Parents and the Licata Family.You will be sorely missed by All.
Thomas Andreadakis
October 16, 2022
Tony sorry to read of the passing of your wife Sharon’s brother Greg. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, may he RIP.
Maureen & Steve McCormick
October 16, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Greg was a great guy. He would give a helping hand to anyone in need. We will miss you cousin. May you Rest In Peace.
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