Hoyt D. Benjamin Sr.

Ithica - ( May 12, 1945 - July 01, 2020 )

Hoyt Doremus Benjamin (Senior), 75, of Ithaca, NY and Key West, FL passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1 at his home on Cayuga Lake. He was surrounded by the love of his life, Rebecca and his two beloved boys, Hoyt Jr. & Chase. Hoyt was born May 12, 1945 in New York City, son of the late Park Benjamin, Jr. and Beatrix Hoyt Benjamin.

Hoyt graduated from Glen Cove High School on Long Island, NY in 1964. He graduated from Ithaca College in 1970 with a BS in Business Administration. In 1971, Hoyt opened the Salty Dog Bar along the Cayuga Inlet in Ithaca. It soon became legendary watering hole and popular live music venue for the Ithaca community. After selling the Salty Dog, Hoyt founded B&W Supply Company on State St. in 1976. He moved the business to its current location on 3rd Street in 1988, where it is now owned and operated by his wife and sons. In 1988, Hoyt began offering Dinner Boat Cruises on Cayuga Lake aboard the M/V Manhattan and the Cayuga Breeze.

After retiring due to his diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma in 2009, Hoyt purchased a house and spent his winters in Key West, FL. Hoyt was a devoted husband and father, avid boater and quite the enthusiastic entrepreneur. Hoyt always enjoyed traveling, whether it was to Martha's Vineyard for his annual autumnal vacation or to any location that the NAFED (National Association of Food Equipment Dealers) Buying Group took him to, where he could be amongst his many foodservice dealer colleagues. Also a one-time season ticket holder, Hoyt always enjoyed making the trip to Orchard Park, NY to support his beloved Buffalo Bills. Other notable family get-togethers included the Christmas Trip to Hawaii, numerous Christmases spent with his mother Trixie and his stepfather Steve Taylor, summer gatherings with his brothers on Cape Cod, as well as his annual fireworks display on Cayuga Lake for the 4th of July. There was truly nothing Hoyt enjoyed more than going on weekend hockey trips to watch his two boys play and spending time with all the hockey parents.

Hoyt loved to spend time with his family and closest friends. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile, quick wit, his affection for all animals, and his fondness for Cayuga Lake. In addition to his wife, Becky, and their two boys, Hoyt Jr. and Chase; Hoyt is survived by his brothers, Park (Linda) Benjamin of Oyster Bay, NY, Bill Benjamin of South Orleans, MA, and Steve (Heidi) Benjamin, of Delray Beach, FL, and cousins Franklin Moore of Nantucket, MA and Roz Lovenduski of Lake Placid, FL and Brewster, MA. Hoyt will also be missed by his numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Due to the current circumstances, a private funeral will be held at a later date. A celebration of life is planned for 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hoyt's name to: The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241-4238

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ithaca Journal from Jul. 8 to Jul. 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Hoyt Benjamin

Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.

11 Entries

Martha Frommelt David Feldshuh

July 21, 2020

Dear Becky, Hoyt and Chase,

Our deepest, deepest sympathy...... we have been away from Ithaca and just learned of Hoyt's passing.

We remember Hoyt's love of fun and family. We have so many memories from the boy's fun through high school, sports and other adventures. You and Hoyt were the biggest fans. And then there were the adult adventures.... like the Salty Dog Reunion! Hoyt was always ready for it all with a twinkle in his eye.

You cared for Hoyt with such a sense of family and fun. He was able to shoulder on in these last years with your great care.

Our thoughts and prayers,

Martha Frommelt, David Feldshuh, Noah, Zach and Hannah

Patricia Morgan Giordano

July 16, 2020

Becky and family we are so sorry to hear of Hoyt's passing. You and the family are in our prays. I remember being at Cass park and watching our son Jay and your son Hoyt playing baseball. Stay safe and you are in our thoughts.

Michael Thuesen

July 15, 2020

Becky and Family, My condolences on the passing of Hoyt. His contributions to the Ithaca music and business scene continue to reverberate 50 years later. He will be greatly missed by our community. Peace to you and your family.
Michael and Mimi Thuesen
Lansing, NY

Murray LaLonde

July 9, 2020

Becky and the Boys , entire family ,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Hoyt was a a great man and a man of knowledge for all he has done and he thought the most of you all , told me many stories about the family ,trips and being at the lake along with chasing the hockey games .
Rest in Peace Hoyt

Russell and Marijane Johnson

July 9, 2020

Our deepest sympathy to all. Our heart goes out to you Becky, the boys and your family.

Rose Pellegrino

July 8, 2020

Hoyt was one of the good ones. He will be missed. My heart goes out to Becky, Hoyt, Chase and all the family.

Mike Melnick

July 8, 2020

Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. - Mike and Michele Melnick

Krista Meszaros

July 8, 2020

This was a really nice write up about Uncle Hoyt. He will be missed.

Peter Ricardo

July 8, 2020

So glad to have known Hoyt "on the scene" and through foodservice work. Calm seas and following winds Cap'n.

Larry Vavul

July 7, 2020

Becky & boys I am sorry to hear about Hoyt's passing. I was looking forward to catching up with him on the trip. I always enjoyed seeing him and doing a little business together.

Steven Dates

July 6, 2020

Becky Joy I'm very sorry to here about Hoyt . I don't what to say to you and your sons to make things a little less rough . I'm thinking of you and hope things ease as time moves on . Steven Dates

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