Gustave W. Benson, 85, of Orange, CA, formerly of Bridgewater and Avon, MA, passed away on December 12th. He was predeceased by his longtime love, wife Leafie (Kinney) Benson. Father of Gus W. Benson Jr. and his wife Erika, Gary Benson and his wife Diane and Lance Benson and his wife Margaret. Brother of David Benson and his wife Becky. He also leaves a granddaughter, Alicia. He was the brother of the late Bob Benson and Ruby Benson and grandfather of the late Meghan Benson. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 19th at 9 o’clock at the Richard Davis Funeral Home, 619 State Road, Route 3A, Plymouth (Manomet). There are no visiting hours. Burial will be at the Manomet Cemetery. US Navy WWII
OBIT INFO:
Gustave Walfred Benson was born on July 9, 1921 in Bridgewater, MA to the late John Benson and Hilda (Peterson) Benson. He grew up on a 21-acre farm as the oldest of four children, brothers, Bob and David and sister, Ruby.
He worked in the Cranberry bogs, building construction and the Civilian Conservation Corps before developing his mechanical talents at Packy Marshall’s Private Garage in Middleboro before serving his country in the US Navy during WWII aboard a submarine chaser.
After the war, he moved to Avon, working at the Amoco service station in downtown Avon before buying and running the Jenny station on High Street. He was Avon’s Fire Chief for several years. He was active in the Norfolk Union Lodge and the 1960 Excellent High Priest in the Masonic Mt. Zion Royal Arch Chapter.
Gus worked very hard to take good care of his family. In 1961 he took his family west to a new life in Southern California where he became the maintenance foreman for a major automobile transport company. While there, he used his leadership talents to set up their first Federal Credit Union. He was very active in the Boy Scouts as an adult leader, well respected by the boys and adults alike. He brought dignity, creativity and humor to his service. He liked to fish and travel. During summer vacations he and his family traveled extensively throughout the United States.
In the late 90’s, Gus developed heart problems but maintained a quiet and tranquil life at an assisted living facility near family. He passed away quietly in his sleep on December 12, 2006.
He was predeceased by his longtime love, wife Leafie and granddaughter Meghan. He is survived by brother David and his wife Becky, son Gus W. Jr and his wife Erika, son Gary and his wife Diane, son Lance and his wife Margaret and their daughter Alicia.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 19th at 9 o’clock at the Richard Davis Funeral Home, 619 State Road, Route 3A, Plymouth (Manomet). There are no visiting hours. Burial will be at the Manomet Cemetery. US Navy WWII