Carl H. Benker II, 68, of Groton died peacefully at Yale-New Haven Hospital on Saturday, December 27, 2014, after a short illness. He was the former president of Wood's Heating Service, Inc. in East Providence, RI. He was the husband of Valerie J. (Wood) Benker. They were married for 46 years.
Carl was born in 1946 in Norwich, CT the son of Carl and Helen (Troeger) Benker. He had lived in Rehoboth MA for 42 years before recently relocating to their summer residence in Groton, CT.
Carl graduated from Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, CT in 1964 and The University of Rhode Island in 1969. In 1969, he worked for Wood’s Service Station in East Providence, RI. Then in 1978, he founded Wood’s Heating Service, Inc. He and his wife operated this family business until 2007 when they retired. He was active in the New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) and was president of the Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island. He was a member of Saint Michael’s and All Angel’s Episcopal Church (currently Church of the Epiphany in Rumford, RI) where he served in many capacities including senior warden.
In addition to his wife, Valerie, Carl is survived by his son Carl Benker III and wife Elizabeth of Glastonbury, CT and his daughter Julie O'Brien and husband Chris of East Lyme, CT. He was known most affectionately as “BOP” by his five grandchildren Gavin, Tanner, and Cassidy O’Brien and Collin and Emily Benker. He also leaves behind a sister Carolyn Benker of Lisbon, CT and a brother Paul Benker and wife Walda of Huron, SD as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Memorial Service will be conducted on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 2pm at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 82 Shore Road, Old Lyme, CT. There are no visiting hours. Burial will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Jimmy Fund, American Cancer Society or charity of your choice would be most appreciated.
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