Robert A. Benson

1939 - 2023

Robert A. Benson, 84, of George St. Westerly, RI, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday October 28, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Ida Griffin Benson.
Born in Providence, RI on February 14, 1939 he was the son of the late Andrew and Helen (Andersen) Benson. He grew up in Cranston and was a life-long Rhode Islander. After graduating from high school and serving in the United States Navy, he graduated from New Mexico State University where he met Ida. They were married nearly 58 years and created a great life and family in Westerly.
Bob worked at Electric Boat in Groton for 30 years before retiring. He developed a special bond with so many EB colleagues through the years. His time at EB was an important part of his life.
Bob took up running when he was 40 years old and discovered a passion for it. He was a member of the Westerly Track Club, making many friends and running numerous local races over the years. One of his proudest achievements was qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon five times.
He was also an active member of the Westerly community, serving on the Westerly Library Board, Wilcox Park Committee, the Friends of the Westerly Public Library, and the Westerly Historical Society over the years. He was a past president of the Library board and the Historical Society and also a Westerly Library Gold Leaf recipient.
Besides his loving wife he will be deeply missed by his two children, Bradley Benson of Westerly, RI and Dacia Lamson and her husband Rob of Boston, MA. He was the beloved grandfather of Lillian Lamson who he just adored. He was predeceased by his sister, Beverly Hull.
The Benson family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday November 1, 2023 from 5-7PM at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI. A memorial service will be held on Thursday November 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be private in the River Bend Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's memory to the Westerly Library and Wilcox Park Fund, 44 Broad, St. Westerly, RI, 02891.
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com