RONALD BENJAMIN

A member of one of the oldest and quite numerous families in America, the Benjamin family, passed. Long time resident of his beloved Nicholson, Ron Benjamin took leave of his earthly vessel Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

Born Ronald Bruce Benjamin in 1950 in Philadelphia, he is the son of Howard S. Benjamin and Ella Irene Zuch who's own love story began in Dickson City at the Primitive Methodist Church.

Mr. Benjamin's grandfather, Willard S., was also a master carpenter, having been the architect for the church design as well as the Sunday evening orchestra and choir director.

Ron Benjamin was a charming, affable, kind and giving man with a firm, strong handshake and an even stronger hug. Anyone ever to experience his warm, close embrace would not soon forget. Or, anyone who'd had the pleasure of calling his house would receive the same hearty, robust salutation, "Hello, this is Ron!"

He believed in supporting the public good, his strongest and most firm belief being that of kindness to all regardless of race, creed, religion, status, or wealth. In that regard he was the richest man in the world.

Ron had attended George Washington High School in Philadelphia, meeting his children's mother Lynnie as they played the lead roles in the musical production 'Oklahoma!.' He attended Nyack College in New York, raced enduro motocross while living in Georgia 10 years, and wholly manifested his beliefs as a Pediatric Neonatal Respiratory Therapist and Respiratory Therapist for many years in the city of Scranton. Before taking an early retirement in 2012, he'd even spent two years in the medical field in Cheyenne, Wyo., working and adventuring with the love of his life Markella.

His life had meandered an uncertain path at times until he found his dream home in Nicholson on what was then known as Rural Route 2. Unknown to him at the time, his roots and personal connection to the area running as deep as the majestic Hemlock pine that surround the tiny red house. Mr. Benjamin being a descendant of transatlantic Captain, Master Joseph Youngs of Southold, Long Island circa 1645, along with Eliphalet Stephens the first permanent settler of this town about the year 1778. Like many cousins before him, Ron found a peace and beauty that is largely unmatched where the great Tunkhannock runs to the mighty Susquehanna.

'Ronnie' was beloved and adored by a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and numerous friends who'd been a part of his varied and eclectic life. He and his brother Ken experiencing their closest years during summers at the Primitive Methodist Pocono Mountain Bible Conference working for their grandfather, the Rev. J. Elvin Zuch, former pastor of the Dickson City Church.

In his adult life, his vocal talents were also well known both inside and outside his Nicholson home. As a professional vocalist he was once a member of the Robert Dale Chorale in Scranton. Ron's musical heritage reaching back to his grandfather Willard S. who played first violin in the Scranton Symphony Orchestra at the old Lyceum Theatre. His great grandfather, Nathaniel Wells Benjamin, a faithful chorister of 20 years at the Methodist Episcopal Church in North Scranton, whose own original homestead is now occupied by the Peace Lutheran Church.

Mr. Benjamin lived in his tiny red house in the wood, affectionately referred to as Hemlock Ridge, at one time with 12 roaming felines and two "good ole" dogs. Over the many years at Hemlock Ridge, Ron continued to perfect himself as a journalist, photographer, chef, mycologist, horticulturist and phenologist. The most recent 23 years had been spent in loving companionship with the love of his life "Markie", and more recently their dog Gaya. Markella, whose loving, gentle spirit returned to the Great Cosmos only three short years ago, Gaya this past April.

Ron's remaining legacy lives on in his son Garthe; a beloved daughter, Erin; four amazing and beautiful grandchildren: Caleb, Joshua, Alyssa, and Zachariah; and three precious great grandchildren: Joseph, Alayna, and sweet Markella.

Mr. Ron Benjamin left the same way he had lived, on his own terms and without regret at 74 years, 4 months, 12 days. A memorial service and ash ceremony will be held beside Markella Falls at Hemlock Ridge sometime in the spring of 2025. Our humble prayer is that You would receive him into Your loving embrace and hold him in Your peace now and forever.

"May your mercy, ADONAI, be over us, because we put our trust in you" - Tehillim 33:22.