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John Benke Obituary
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John will be missed by all whose lives he touched. He had a gift for giving selflessly to family, friends and customers. A well-loved community proprietor, he was known for his outgoing and personable nature. Often referred to as "the mayor of Ossining" - he was seen waving and chatting with those who passed by his home or landmark family business - J&J Service Station (Juliano's), in which he was part-owner.
John graduated from Ossining High School in 1959. He served in the US Army at Ft. Dix, the USAREUR division in Germany and at Ft. Carson as a mechanic. After, he rejoined Juliano's Service Station. He became co-owner in the 1980's. His career here began when he was 12 years old, retiring at age 76.
He married his teenage sweetheart, Catherine Devlin in 1966. They enjoyed life together, and the door of their family home on Park Avenue was always open. They were known for bringing family and friends together for any occasion, creating many cherished memories.
Sports were John's favorite past time. He was active in bowling and softball leagues. Golfing with friends was his favorite activity in later years and proudly touted 2 hole-in-one's!
John was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Catherine (2013). He is survived by his 3 children: Kelly (Tom), John (Laura), and Catherine (Drew) Oakley, 6 grandchildren (Aubrea, John James, Connor, Danielle, Kaitlyn and Alyssa), many nieces, nephews, and lifelong, special friends.
Visiting hours will be on Wed. 11/13, from 4-7pm and funeral service at 10 am on Thursday, 10/14, at Waterbury & Kelly, 1300 Pleasantville Rd., Briarcliff Manor. Interment to follow at St. Augustine's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a gift in John's memory can be made to Tunnel for Towers Foundation.
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2 Entries
Jim Galluzzo
May 5, 2025
I grew up on Ossining and graduated HS in 1979. Before leaving Ossining in 1984 I spend many hours at the Sunoco station and have fond memories of Mister Benke (my parents insisted that was how my sister and I would address Johnny). J&J Service Station was the only service station our family used. It was important to have someone you could trust to evaluate service needs and that was never in doubt while dealing with John and the Juliano's. I am sad to learn of this loss. John was one of the best men I have known. My deepest condolences to the Benke family. RIP, Mister Benke. Jim Galluzzo
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