John D Benson Obituary

Port Allegany–John Daniel “Jack” Benson, Sr., passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Sena Kean Manor.  Jack was born on November 11, 1942, in Buffalo, New York, the son of John J. and May I. Venator Benson.    Jack grew up on a farm in Turtlepoint, Pennsylvania, and often had to walk the five miles between the farm and school in Port Allegany, uphill both ways in waste deep snow.  In his senior year of high school, Jack was President of the Senior Class, Captain of the Football Team, and President of the Future Farmers of America.  Jack graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1962 and attended Alfred Technical College. 

On October 9, 1965, Jack married the former Connie Baker at the United Brethren Church in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, and they were married for 60 years.  Jack and Connie had 2 children, John D. Benson, Jr. (Susan) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Amy Benson Murphy (Tom) of Port Allegany, Pennsylvania.  Jack had 3 grandchildren, Caleb (Sarah) Benson, Sam Benson, and Marcus Murphy, and 2 great-grandchildren, Sophia Benson and Kinskey (aka Kinsley) Benson. 

In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jack is survived by his sisters JoAnn Ellis of Allegany, New York, Mary Ann Miller of Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, Noreen (Reginald) Coneys of Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, and his brothers Daniel Benson of Warren, Pennsylvania and Richard (Linda) Benson of Turtlepoint, Pennsylvania, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. Jack was predeceased by his parents, his sister Carol Howard, his in-laws Bernard and Helen Baker, his daughter-in-law Susan Sygenda Benson, and his brothers-in-law Joseph Ellis, Gib Miller, Kenny Howard, Bob Baker, and Bill Baker. 

Jack was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Port Allegany.  He worked for North Penn Gas Company for over 35 years, was a Boy Scout Troop Leader, 4-H Club Leader, host of weekend long high school class reunions and friend, confidant, and mentor to many.  Jack was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills, and his eternal regret was never getting to see the Bills win a Super Bowl.  Jack knew how to have a good time and how to bring joy to others.  Among his favorite activities were sitting on the front porch with a cold beer, waving at people driving by, and going to the Park with his best friend, Malon Postlewait, to “feed the squirrels.”

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

There will be no visitation.  A funeral at St. Joseph’s and an appropriate (for the Benson family) celebration of life will be held on a date to be announced.   

Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.