David L. Benton                      “beloved husband”

David L. Benton, 76, of Coudersport, passed away in his home with his loving family by his side on Sunday, March 26, 2023, following a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Born on Tuesday, September 10, 1946 in Hornell, N.Y., he was a son of Wayne and Caroline Hess Benton. He was married for 37 years to Michelle Capistrant who predeceased him. On July 23, 2005 in Arlington, Washington, he married Barbara Mattison, who survives.

David was a 4 year US Navy veteran, having served on the USS Alfred A. Cunningham DD752 as a gunner’s mate. While in the Navy he received the COMSEVENTHFLT Citation for outstanding performance of duty.  He also received the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.  He also received several accommodations and citations for his expertise and outstanding performance while serving his country. 

After leaving the Navy, David continued employment with the Navy as a civilian engineering field representative, retiring in 2008.

David had more that a “can-do” attitude.  He had great stamina and endurance, working with all hands assigned creating good sound morale and attitudes which gave all hands a foresight that the job is more than just a necessity.  David believed if man made it, man can fix it.  Can’t was never an option.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Barbara; his siblings, Bonnie (Johnnie) Harrison of Florida, Dennis Benton of Cortland, N.Y., Sue Ann (Rob) Vrzal of Lake Waneta, N.Y., and Michael Benton of Ithaca, N.Y.; a daughter, Kellie Bell of California; two sons, Aaron Benton of California and Sean Benton of Marysville, Washington; four stepchildren whom he considered as his own, Michael (Kathy) Cook, Patrick Cook, Christopher (Cynthia) Cook, and Sherri Cook; many grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and first wife, David was predeceased by a brother, Wayne “Sonny” Benton.

There will be no public visitation.  A memorial service will be held on a date and time to be announced.  Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Troupsburg, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve, 497 PA 244, Oswayo, PA 16915.

David’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of David, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L.  Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.