Thomas H. Benton Sr.

ORLEANS – Thomas Hart Benton, Sr. passed away suddenly at his home in East Orleans on March 26, 2015. Tom was born on September 11, 1941, in New York, NY, the youngest of five children born to Philip E. Benton, MD and Orient Nichols Benton, formerly of Southbury, CT and East Orleans.

After his graduation from Tabor Academy, Thomas received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University, and his MBA from George Washington University. He spent most of his professional life in Banking in the Chicago area, residing much of that time in Oak Park, Il.

Tom retired, moved from Batavia, Il, and settled in East Orleans, MA, in 2009. He enjoyed his years as a docent at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago; he had a great love for all animals, especially dogs. He was an avid reader, passionate about genealogy, enjoyed music, watching sports. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit.

Tom was predeceased by his sister Carroll Benton Cameron, and his brother Christopher W. Benton. He leaves his brother, Philip E. Benton, Jr. and his wife Mary Ann; his sister, Ann Benton, all of South Orleans; his sister-in-law Nancy Cole Benton, and his former brother-in-law, Donald Cameron. Thomas also leaves his three children and their spouses: Thomas Hart Benton, Jr., his wife Alison, of Greenville, SC; William Webster Benton, his wife Michelle of Wheaton, Il; and Amanda Elizabeth Benton, of Greenville, SC. Thomas also leaves seven amazing grandchildren: Colin, Tanner, Will, Tommy, Annie, Tayler and Eleanor – all who adored and loved him deeply. Tom also leaves many friends and relatives – cousins, nieces, and nephews – who will miss him greatly.

Memorial services will be private.