Michael Benya

Michael J. Benya passed away on Friday,, March 6, 2026.

Michael Benya was born Sept. 21, 1936 in Youngstown, Ohio to

the late Michael and Mary (Patzak) Benya. He attended the Campbell, Ohio

public schools and graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1954

He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Duquesne University. in Pittsburgh, PA. in 1958;

graduate degrees from the Catholic University. of America in Washington, D.C. in

1962 and Assumption Univesity, Worcester, MA. in 1976.

He was employed by the Commonwealth. of Massachusetts with the Massachusetts. Rehabilitation Commission. for 26 years and after retirement, continued to be a strong advocate for those with disabilities.

His Catholic Christian faith was central to his life. He was an active member

of his church and volunteered in community activities as well. He loved his

family and enjoyed sports, gardening, classical music and reading.

In addition to his beloved deceased parents, his family included

his deceased siblings, brother, Steve and sister Anne of Campbell, Ohio, and

sister Mary Conrad of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the beloved husband of the

late Carole (Rolland) Benya, to whom he was married for nearly 45 years.

He is survived by his children, Timothy Farcas (and wife Sumalee) of Fair-

field, CA.; his daughters, Heidi Balben (and husband Larry) of Franklinton, NC.

and Rebecca Benya-Soderbom (and husband John Soderbom) of Bridgewater,

MA.; seven grandchildren: John Farcas (and wife Jessica) of Middleboro, MA.

Corey Farcas (and wife Megan) of Arlington, MA., K yle Cumiskey of Port

land, ME., Ian and Seth Soderbom of Bridgewater, MA., Kiana Montgomery

of Reno, NV., and Isabella Farcas of Sparks, NV.; six great-grandchildren:

Lia Rose and Jameson Farcas of Middleboro, MA., Aliyah Carole, Caleb and

Daniel Farcas of Arlington, MA., and Kazimir Jade Wilson of Reno, NV. Mr.

Benya is also survived by two nephews: David Conrad of Cincinnati, OH. and

Dale Conrad of Loveland, OH. and niece Dianna McKenna of Cincinnati, OH.

Complete funeral arrangements to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to My Brother's

Keeper, P.O. Box 338, North Easton, MA. 02356-9913.