CHICOPEE – John J. “Benny” Benson, 63, of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Sunday, February 19, 2017. He passed into Eternal Life at home surrounded by all the memories that he loved and cherished. He was born in Yuma, Arizona on October 8, 1953, a beloved son of the late George A. Benson, Sr. who was Called Home on February 20, 2014 and Ann M. (Haley) Benson who was Called Home on September 5, 2014. He moved with his family to Chicopee in 1963 and was raised in Chicopee. He graduated in 1971 from Chicopee Comprehensive High School and lived in Chicopee the remainder of his life. An avid pool player and fisherman, he loved listening to music and enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He leaves his daughter, Lisa Beth Kirby and her husband, Matthew, of Indian Orchard; his son, Christopher L. Benson and his wife, Dina, of Chicopee; his nine grandchildren; his nine brothers and sisters, Isabelle Knoth and her husband, Wayne, of Sebastian, FL, George A. Benson, Jr. and his wife, Patsy, of Madison, MS, Brenda Thorne and her husband, Brian, of Sun Lakes, AZ, Paul G. Benson and his wife, Kenda, of Belchertown, Deborah Mykytiuk and Drew Benson, both of Chicopee, David Benson and his wife, Deborah, of Somerville, SC and Francis E. Benson and Patricia Benson, both of Chicopee; his former wife, MaryJo (Doherty) Paradis and her husband, Bruce; and his many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Benson and Haley families. His family will receive friends on Friday, March 3, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. which will be followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. The parking lot is located at the rear of the funeral home. His burial will be private at the convenience of his family. For those who prefer, his family asks that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children, (Please specify Springfield), 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
