Thomas Joseph Benson

BENSON - Thomas Joseph Benson, 86, died suddenly on Monday, April 18, 2011 in Albuquerque, NM. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Kathleen (Kit); his daughter, Kathleen Creighton; sons, Richard and his wife, Mary and Thomas and his wife, Nancy; six grandchildren, Matthew Creighton, Kevin Creighton, Alison Kennedy Benson, Justin Benson, James Benson, and Kevin Marshall; three great-grandchildren, Colin, Thomas and Andrew Creighton: brothers, Eugene and Walter; and sisters, Mary L. Benson and Bernice Wingartz. Thomas was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Ann and his first wife, Virginia. Thomas served in the US Army during WWII as a Staff Sergeant and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Ardennes under General Patton. Before retiring from RCA, he was involved in the communication systems for the Apollo moon shots. After moving to Albuquerque, Thomas volunteered for the Albuquerque Museum of Natural History and Science for 11 years. Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at French ~ Wyoming Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Interment will follow at a later date at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 4600 A Montgomery, Suite 201, Albuquerque, 87109 or to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque, 87104.