ROBERT BENSON

ROBERT BENSON HARDWICK - With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Robert Benson, 82, of Hardwick, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend well known for sharing his passions for fishing, turkey hunting, wildlife photography and woodworking. Born and raised in Holden, Bob was the son of the late Milton and Mary (Splaine) Benson. He graduated from Wachusett High School and from Becker Junior College. For over forty years, the Benson family operated Benson's Clothing-a local independent store for men and women on Main Street in Holden. Bob enjoyed working side-by-side with his brother Richie, and their annual summer sidewalk sale became a classic event for the town and wider community. As local clothiers, Bob knew the shoe and jacket size of all the regular customers. Bob is survived by his wife, Marcia Benson; daughter, Amy Stein of Northampton; son, Christopher Benson and his wife, Cindi MacKay, of Plymouth; stepdaughters, BJ Senecal and her husband, Chris Senecal, of Rutland, and Cristie Marsh of Paxton; brother, Richard Benson of Harwich; grandchildren, Marlo and Louis Stein; step-grandchildren, Kaylie, Madison, Taylor, Alyssa, Chris, Sierra, and Reese; and step great-granddaughter, Charlotte. Bob took great pleasure in passing down his talents and traditions to his family. Carrying on a practice started with his father, Bob held an annual pilgrimage to the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec with Chris for salmon fly fishing, and they enjoyed many hunting trips together in upstate New York. Amy's favorite time with her Dad growing up was working by his side at Benson's. Putting power tools into their hands at an early age, Bob taught Marlo and Louis how to build their lily pad playhouse at his home on Cape Cod and bird houses at their uncle's farm in New York. After Bensons Clothing closed its doors 30 years ago, Bob moved to Cape Cod and opened an Orvis shop and produced a local cable television show-both named Fishing the Cape. He managed fishing charters that helped turn the flats off the coast of Chatham into a top destination for fly fishing on the Cape. Marcia shared Bob's love of fishing and enjoyed their years fishing together. While living on the Cape, Bob began making tables out of wood reclaimed from barns and old homes throughout New England. What started as a hobby soon had Bob and Marcia moving to the oldest house in Chatham where they created a dedicated workshop for their new venture-Cape Cod Colonial Tables. Bob taught Chris the art of table building craftsmanship which he continues today at his own store. All the grandchildren cherish their memories of summer visits and cozy holiday celebrations at this home on the Cape. Amy learned her love of wildlife from her Dad, and with every great animal sighting-whether in the back woods or on her yard camera-Bob was the first person she would call so he could fill her in on the essentials of each animal. Bob spent years filming eagles on the Quabbin Reservoir as well as beavers and moose and presented these collections at local schools. He connected with his grandchildren harvesting lobsters in his traps, clamming, fishing and catching frogs in his beloved pond. In 2021, Bob and Marcia retired and moved to Hardwick to be near their families. Following in her grandfather's entrepreneurial footsteps, Marlo started her own new venture at Round Table Farm just down the road. Bob was the number one fan of the Farm and constantly shared his dreams for the business with Marlo. Bob's enthusiasm for sharing his love of nature was always evident, and his family is grateful for two amazing trips they took to Yellowstone, where they marveled at wolverines and geysers, and to the Bahamas where they celebrated Bob's 70th birthday fly fishing for bonefish. As a big Patriots fan, Bob enjoyed watching the games with Marcia, Marlo, and Louis and had high hopes for the Pats this season. In honor of Bob's passion for salmon fishing and conservation, donations to the Atlantic Salmon Foundation, asf.ca, are appreciated in lieu of flowers. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, November 8th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, MA. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 PM in the funeral home. To leave a message for his family please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com