CHICOPEE – George A. Benson, Sr., 84, of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Thursday, February 20, 2014. He passed into Eternal Life surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and his wonderful caregivers. He was born in Throop, Pennsylvania on January 27, 1930 a son of the late Elisha and Mary (Cochis) Benson. In 1947, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. His military career spanned over 20 years when he retired on August 31, 1967 with the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1963, his duty assignment took him to Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee where he eventually purchased a home with his wife Ann. Following his retirement from the US Air Force, he started a business in 1969 and was the owner and operator of Benson’s Arco & U Haul on Memorial Drive in Chicopee. George was a member of the Chicopee Lodge of Elks 1849, the American Legion Post 452, a past Commander of the Polish American Veterans, and a member of the Chicopee Patriotic Committee, all in Chicopee. He leaves his beloved wife and soul mate of 63 years, Ann M. (Haley) Benson; his ten loving children; 17 cherished grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves a sister and a brother; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and extended members of the Benson and Haley families. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Service of Committal with US Air Force Military Honors on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the WestMass ElderCare, 4 Valley Mill Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com