HOWARD BENSON Jr.

BENSON Howard Hartwell James Benson, Jr. On Tuesday, January 4, in Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of the late Corinne (DeCelles) Benson; father of James (Marianne) Benson, Jeanne (Fred) Schoeffler, Stephen (Cindy) Benson, Christopher Benson, Anne Marie (Paul) Smith, Caroline (Charles) Watson, John Benson, Eileen (Edward) Taylor and the late Robert Benson. Also survived by grandchildren Peter and Daniel Benson, Kevin Schoeffler and Eric (Sally) Schoeffler, Kyle Benson, Brenna (Stefan) LaBere, Addy (Tanner) Luxner, Brian (Melissa) and Diana Smith, Andrew (Jessica) Watson, Tina (Patrick) Haddon, Alexis and Nicholas Benson, Katherine, Mark, and Juliana Taylor. He leaves great-grandchildren Isabella Schoeffler, Etienne LaBere, Liam and Autumn Luxner, Avery Watson, Brooke and Declan Haddon. Born in Washington, DC on August 30, 1926, to Lt Cmdr HHJ Benson Sr and Elizabeth ReaThompson, Howard "Howdy" was a graduate of Georgetown Preparatory School and The Catholic University of America. Following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, Adm William S. Benson, the first Chief of Naval Operations, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During World War II he served as a Sonar Technician, and joined the Naval Reserve after the war, retiring as a Lieutenant. For several years he worked as an electrical engineer with ACF Industries, Vitro Labs, and Control Data among others, and held at least three patents on electronic devices. He ultimately retired as a civilian employee of the Navy Department. He was a long-time member of St. John the Baptist parish in Silver Spring, MD where he taught catechism, was active with the Knights of Columbus, and was known as the Bagelwich Man at their weekly Sunday breakfasts. He supported his wife by acting as the sound wizard for the choir, and his sons by serving as a Boy Scout leader. He later became an active member of the Church of the Resurrection at Riderwood Village. His deep and abiding faith was coupled with the curiosity and intellect of a scientist. Howdy loved to sail and was never happier than when he was "flying along" with family members at his side and Oreo cookies at the ready. His enduring love and support for his family have created a lasting legacy that will continue through his descendants for years to come. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), on Friday, January 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Church of the Resurrection at Riderwood Village, 3140 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, on Saturday, January 15 at 10 a.m. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), on Friday, January 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Church of the Resurrection at Riderwood Village, 3140 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, on Saturday, January 15 at 10 a.m. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.