Nicholas Clayton Benko

Nicholas Clayton Benko, 50, of Freeland, passed away suddenly early Saturday morning in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, following a brief illness.

Born in Hazleton, on Dec. 16, 1973, he was the son of the late Nicholas Eugene Benko and Donna (Whitenight) Benko, Freeland, and spent the past seven years in Freeland after moving from Hazleton.

Nicholas was a 1991 graduate of Hazleton Area High School. He was employed as a material handler for Pactiv Evergreen Fabri-Kal, Valmont Industrial Park, Hazleton. He was a member of the Catholic faith. Nick was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending his free time in his garage working on cars. Nick was a kind and wonderful son to his mother, Donna, was helpful to everyone and loved all animals, especially his dogs, Molly and Milo.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his brother, Christopher M. Benko and his wife, Jessica, Freeland; nieces, Samantha L. Benko, Whitehaven; Aryanna Benko, Freeland; a nephew, Christopher M. Benko II, Freeland; two great-nephews, Mason and Elijah Benko, both of Freeland; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

His funeral will be held at a date and time to be announced in the future.

Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. (East), 669 W. Butler Drive, Drums, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Condolences may be entered and information is available at www.harman

funeral.com.