Gilbert "Gil" Benedict

Passed away on Monday July 15, 2024, less than 16 months shy of his 100th birthday. Gil was born on November 1, 1925 to Ida and Morris Benedict in Philadelphia, PA. He was drafted into the Army at the age of 18, and fought with the 381st Infantry in the Philippines during World War II. His experiences in a foxhole in the South Pacific theatre left him with a chunk of shrapnel in his belly and earned the rank of Sergeant, an honorable discharge and a Purple Heart.

He married Florence (Piatetsky) Benedict in June 1948 and had two children- Sheila and David, who was named after his late brother. He studied chemistry and worked at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. He worked a long career as a civil servant for the Defense Industrial Supply Center in Northeast Philly. He worked nights and weekends at Sears & Roebuck in the paint and hardware department. His garage was stocked with tools, and it was his pleasure to assist every neighbor with repairs. He loved to perform the traditional Kazatchka dance at family celebrations. He grew tomatoes, peppers and radishes in a patch of soil next to the driveway behind the family's home on Horrocks Street. Gilbert and Florence were married 40 years, until her passing in 1988. 

In his retirement, Gil took an active role in his son David's travel business. He married Norma (Kolsky) Benedict in January 1998. Together, Gil and Norma were regulars on David Tours buses, collecting money from riders on trips to Atlantic City and working Baltimore Crab Feasts with Gil's son and grandchildren. He was the best salesman David Tours ever had. Gil took deep pride in his service to his country, and was a devoted and active member of JWV Post # 98, Jewish War Veterans, serving as Assistant Commander for many years. 

Gil was an easygoing, hard working, proud veteran who loved his family more than anything. He is survived by daughter Sheila (Alan) Friedman, son David (Ingrid) Benedict  stepsons Steven Kolsky, Marc Kolsky and Barry Kolsky,  grandchildren Eric (Emily)Friedman, Rachel (Eric) Singer, Jason (Tricia) Friedman, Jordan Benedict, Derek Benedict and Evan Benedict and  great grandchildren Sage and Maya Friedman, Evie Singer, Rafaella, Asher and Mika Friedman.  

Graveside Services will be held Wednesday, July 17th at 1 PM precisely at the Shalom Memorial Park (Section Macabees), 3573 Pine Road , Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. Donations in Gil's memory may be made to the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, www.jwv.org or Jewish National Fund, www.jnf.org