Richard W. Benjamin

(Asbury Park Press)

RICHARD W.
BENJAMIN
FORMERLY OF WALL
Richard W. Benjamin, of Lewisburg, Pa., passed away on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at his home, after a brave five-year struggle with cancer. He was born June 20, 1930 in Spring Lake and the son of the late Cecil P. and Alida (Applegate) Benjamin. On April 18, 1953, he married Phyllis E. Smith, who survives him. Richard was a 1948 graduate of Asbury Park (NJ) High School. In 1961, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Monmouth College and in 1966, a Master of Science degree (cum laude) from the Newark College of Engineering. Richard was a college professor and administrator, and a research scientist. He was an electrical engineer specializing in electromagnetic theory, microwave devices, antennas, and information technology. Richard enjoyed a more than 40-year career with Monmouth University in West Long Branch, and was a key figure in the successful development of that institution. He became a Monmouth student in 1956, and while still an undergraduate was invited to join the faculty. In 1969, he was promoted to full Professor. He was Chairman of Monmouth's Electronic Engineering Department and served as Dean of the School of Science and Professional Studies. Later, he developed and chaired Monmouth's Software Engineering Department. Retiring as Professor Emeritus in 2001, Richard had taught more than 1,000 students and was a beloved figure on the Monmouth campus. Richard was a life member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). He was also a member of the Eta Kappa Nu and Sigma Pi Sigma fraternities. In 1977, he received both Monmouth's Distinguished Teaching Award and the IEEE's Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2006, Monmouth University honored Richard with its Distinguished Alumni Award. Richard also was a researcher for Bell Laboratories, the U.S. Army Signal Corps. (Ft. Monmouth), and the New Jersey Dept. of Higher Education. From 1950 to 1956 he served in the Army National Guard, advancing from private to lieutenant in the 250th Quartermaster Battalion, 50th Armored Division. Richard delighted in tinkering with mechanical and electrical devices. He loved to build things and to fix things, and was amazingly adept at virtually everything he put his hand to. He took great pride in maintaining his home and garden, and enjoyed woodworking, computers, family vacations, and his new red pickup truck. He revered America and its history. Above all, Richard loved his family. In 2005 he relocated with his wife from Wall to Lewisburg to be with his small grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, Robert Benjamin of Chicago, Ill.; daughter, Anne Carol Sagebiel of Denver, Colo.; son, Rick Benjamin of Lewisburg; son, Jonathan E. Benjamin of Hamilton; and four grandchildren. His sister, Mary E. Benjamin of Spring Lake, passed away in 2007.
Friends and family may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17 at the Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, 106 S. 2nd St., Lewisburg, Pa. Funeral services will be held there Thursday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m., officiated by Pastor Charles W. North IV, CLP, of Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church, Potts Grove. Interment will follow at the Lewisburg Cemetery. The family will provide the flowers and suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richard Benjamin Memorial Fund, c/o University Advancement, Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Ave., West Long Branch, NJ 07764-1898.