Barry L. Benson

Barry L. Benson, 92, of Jamestown, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025 at the Blair Hospice House in Warren, PA following a recent illness. He was born in Jamestown on September 8, 1933, to the late George L. and Eileen Swanson Benson.
A member of the JHS Class of 1951, Barry joined the work force one week following graduation with the Bank of Jamestown as a messenger working with various banking departments until he joined the United States Army in April 1953 where he served in Frankfurt, Germany at the V Corps headquarters. He attained the rank of corporal before being honorably discharged in late May 1955.
Civilian life found Barry returning to the Bank of Jamestown, where he met the love of his life, Shirley Hagstrom, whom he married on January 11, 1958.
Barry held many positions in banking throughout his career. After leaving the Bank of Jamestown, he became a New York State Bank Examiner. He ultimately left this role to become the President and CEO of Jamestown Savings and Loan Association where he also served as a member of the Board of Directors. He navigated JS&L through a merger with Buffalo Savings Bank, which later became Goldome. He ended his formal banking career with Goldome in 1989.
Retirement did not agree with Barry, so he became a licensed real estate broker working with close friend Dick Stahlman at Stahlman Realty. Always open to new experiences, he changed directions and accepted a position as President of the Jamestown AAA which he served in until 2004. Banking was never far from his heart and during his tenure at AAA he had the opportunity to partner with a group of local community members to found and serve on the Board of Directors of Jamestown Savings Bank, which later became Northwest Bank.
Community involvement was prominent in Barry's life. His activities included being Treasurer of the Chautauqua Region Red Cross; YMCA Board member and director; Director and President of Chautauqua Region Blue Cross; Trustee of the YWCA and a Member of Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Barry also served 10 years on the City of Jamestown Housing Board of Appeals; served as Treasurer for the Jamestown Civic Auto Ramps for 20 years and was a charter member of the Jamestown Budget Counseling Service. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for almost 60 years, serving on council as well as being an usher and treasurer.
In his free time, Barry enthusiastically pursued many activities over the years including racquetball, tennis, snowmobiling, motorcycling, following the Bills and Sabres, reading and walking (which he did through this past summer living his motto of "Move it or Lose it"). His yard was a testament to his love of landscaping and getting his hands dirty! He got "sand in his shoes" at an early age and passionately loved traveling annually to Florida with immediate and extended family creating a tradition that will no doubt continue on with future generations.
Barry's lively soul, zest for life and extraordinary kindness will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his daughters, Kristy (John) Zabrodsky and Tracy (Ted) Bogdan; his grandchildren, Abigail (Ken) Gilbert, William (Hannah) Bogdan, Olivia (Ryan Gusley) Zabrodsky, and Rebecca (Derek Anderson) Bogdan; his great grandchildren, Flynn Bogdan, Bennett Gilbert, and an expected Bogdan newborn joy in December; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandra and Robert Christensen; nieces and nephews, Darlene (Lee) Peterson, Marshall (Amy) Brugge, David Brugge, Scott (Elizabeth) Christensen, and Toby (Natalie) Christensen; as well as many great nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Barry was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Hagstrom Benson, who passed away March 8, 2021; his sisters-in-law, Doreen Brugge and Marilyn Carlson; his brothers-in-law, Donald Brugge and Robert Carlson; niece Deborah (Emil) Gunther; and a great niece, Lindsey Peterson.
In keeping with Barry's wishes a private service will be held at the convenience of the family. No visitation will be observed. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.
The family remains grateful for the tender and compassionate care given to Barry while at the hospice house of Warren. Thus, donations may be made in his memory to the Blair Hospice House, 301 Quaker Hill Road, Warren, PA 16365. Alternatively, memorials may be made to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Barry, please visit our Tree Store.