John E. Benson Jr

1937 - 2025

John E. Benson Jr., of Warrington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 87.

John was born in Chicago to the late John Sr. and Mildred Benson in 1937. John grew up in Chicago and graduated from St. Gregory's High School in 1955. John then went on to study at Loyola University of Chicago, where he was part of the Army ROTC. When John graduated in 1959, he enlisted with the US Army Chemical Corps, and was stationed at Ft. McClellan, Alabama, until his discharge in 1962. John proudly served in the Illinois Army Reserves until 1967.

After his military career, John worked in pharmaceutical sales until 1974. During that time, he received his MBA from Loyola University of Chicago. John was then employed with Safeguard Business Systems for nineteen years. John relocated to the Philadelphia area in 1978. In 1993, John completed training as a financial advisor and took a financial advisor's position with American Express, where he was employed until his retirement in 1999.

John's favorite passion in life was reading, where he would check out 3 books every week from the library. Similarly, John loved telling stories and would ramble on to anyone who would listen. John was also a devoted member of St. Robert Bellarmine Church. Traveling was also an interest of his, especially to Hawaii, and he enjoyed the occasional scotch on the rocks, especially in the company of his cousin, Sanders Schnur.

John was married to Jane Adams from December 1959 until 1978, and she preceded him in death in 2013. When he moved to Pennsylvania, he met Maureen, whom he later married in August of 1991.

Along with Maureen, John is survived by his 4 children, Patrick Benson (Karen), Mark Benson, Robert Benson, and Timothy Benson (Carole), as well as two step children, Sheila B. Colvin (Donald), and Gregory Held (Madelon). John is also survived by his 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who will miss him very much

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 29, at Holy Family Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Rev. J.A. Small officiating. Burial will follow in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery with full military rites conducted by the American Legion Post 217 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 10:50 AM. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Prey-Mueller Funeral Home, Oglesby.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions in John's name to St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Warrington, Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.