Daniel Ekow Bentil

It is with profound sorrow and deep respect that we announce the passing of Professor Daniel Bentil, a beloved husband, father, and cherished friend, who departed this life on January 17th, 2025. Daniel, born on December 18, 1956, in the coastal town of Saltpond, Ghana, was the cherished son of Paul Bentil and Sarah (Tsibu) Bentil. 

From an early age, Daniel exhibited a thirst for knowledge and an insatiable curiosity about the world. His academic journey began at Agona Swedru Secondary School, where he met the love of his life, Beatrice Nyarko Bentil. Their connection blossomed into a profound partnership that would endure the test of time. 

Daniel’s academic pursuits began at Friendship University in Moscow, where he attained his Master’s Degree in Applied Mathematics in 1976. His dedication to education and research shone brightly throughout his distinguished career.

In 1982, he began to pursue his Postgraduate degree in Mathematical Immunology, which laid the foundation for his remarkable contributions to academia. Upon his return to Ghana, Daniel served as a Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, nurturing the minds of future scholars. His dedication extended to the University of Cape Coast and Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy, and culminated with his Doctorate in Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Biology from Oxford University in 1991. 

Daniel’s journey continued with a two-year training fellowship at the U.S. National Science Foundation in Seattle, WA. In the United States, Professor Bentil was a recipient of a prestigious US National Science Foundation’s CAREER Award. His love for education transcended borders, as he fervently believed in the power of knowledge, especially for his fellow Ghanaians. Daniel ended his professional career as a Professor at the University of Vermont, imparting his wisdom in the fields of Mathematics and Statistics, as well as Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. While at the University of Vermont, Daniel received the prestigious Fulbright Scholar appointment. Additionally, he helped to design the Applied Mathematics curriculum for the newly formed National Institute of Mathematics (NIMS) Ghana.

 Beyond his academic accolades, Daniel was a man of passion and character. He was an extraordinary cook, known for his mouth-watering pork rib BBQ, special fried rice, and magnificent turkeys that brought in every family celebration. His love for travel and affinity for Mercedes Benz cars were testaments to his zest for life, and he often shared the dream of owning one with a playful confidence, long before it became a reality. Daniel’s spirit was a beacon of compassion and inspiration for all who knew him. He celebrated the beauty of learning, the joy of family, and the gift of life itself. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and he will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Beatrice Bentil, His children: Sarah Bentil, Paulina Bentil, and James & Emma Bentil. His grandchildren: Lillian Jackson, Isaac Jackson, Karen Jackson, and a baby boy soon to be born. His brother, JoJo Bentil, His grand-niece, Felicia Aidoo, His cousin, John Bentil, as well as many more friends and family members. Daniel is predeceased by his parents, Paul and Sarah (Tsibu) Bentil.

Visiting Hours will be held at the Minor Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Milton on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, beginning at 11:00am, followed by a funeral service to begin at 1:00pm. Daniel will then be returning back to his home of Ghana for a committal service that will be announced at a later time.

In our hearts, he will forever remain a guiding light and a cherished memory, as we celebrate a life lived with purpose, passion, and love.