Gary Benken, of Wallkill, formerly of Peekskill, NY entered into rest on Saturday, November, 16, 2024. He was 69.
Son of the late Gerhard and Veronika (Grosskortenhaus) Benken, he was born September 9, 1955 in Bronx, NY.
Gary retired from the Poughkeepsie IBM Corporation in 2020 after dedicating over 40 years of hard-work as a Service Planner. He was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, a 3rd Degree member of the Fr. Michael Pascual Council #9165 of the Knights of Columbus, and was known for his infectious personality when directing traffic in the Sunday School parking lot. Gary loved sports and excelled in soccer, basketball, and softball. He was an avid Yankees and Giants fan. He shared his love of sports with his children and spent many years coaching and loudly cheering them on (“Nobody Better”). In his free time, he loved to golf and spent many hours fishing with family and friends.
Survivors include his loving wife, Susan M. Benken; a daughter, Christine D. Benken, and a son, Gary W. Benken, all of Wallkill; A sister, Monica Carlough of Garner, NC; and several nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, William Benken.
Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 4 - 7 p.m. at White, Venuto and Morrill Funeral Home, 188 N. Plank Road, Newburgh, NY 12550.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 1250 Rt. 32, Plattekill, NY 12568.
Burial will follow at the Assumption Cemetery, 1055 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY 12567.
Donations in Gary’s memory can be made to St. Jude Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Gary’s radiant kindness, love, and willingness to help others will be missed, but never forgotten. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, and friend.
Arrangements are under the care of White, Venuto and Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service, 188 N. Plank Road, Newburgh, NY 12550.