Murray George Benson

He was born on July 16, 1927, in Silver Creek, to Fay and Eleanor (Munson) Benson. Murray grew up in Russell, PA until the family moved to Dunkirk.

On February 3, 1948, he married the love of his life, Helen Eckerle. Together, they raised one son, three daughters, and three foster sons. Murray was a Marine at the end of WWII. He returned home in a 1946 to resume his Signalman position with New York Central Railroad. Murray enjoyed his time as Boy Scout Leader while his boys were scouts. He enjoyed the outdoors hunting and the family tradition of cutting down the Christmas tree. Camping was the Benson family vacations! He was a brave man to pile seven kids into a station for trips to parks like Cooks Forest and Allegany State Park.

Murray and Helen square danced, traveled together and were snow birds after retirement wintering in Lakeland, Florida. There the two were medal

winners ever year in the Polk Senior Games. But what they loved most was spending time with family and friends. Murray and Helen filled their retirement

Murray George Benson

with many rounds of golf both in Western New York and Florida. He and Helen went on several cruises including one to Alaska. The two also volunteered with

Meals on Wheels and Special Olympics. When Murray turned 90, he moved from his home and his wonderful neighbors on Liberty Street to Fredonia Place. He loved all the staff there and the feeling was mutual! His granddaughters Sarah and Maggie made sure he continued to travel by sharing their adventures with him through Skype tours of European cities and blogs of camping adventures in many state parks throughout the United States. His beloved wife, Helen,

predeceased him in 2009. Left to honor Murray and remember his love are Murray’s seven children, Allen (Gillian) Benson, Ida (Dick) Lord, Ann (Dan)

Sullivan, Mary (Edwin Rodriguez) Benson, John (Jeri) Weidenhofer, Larry (Mary Ann) Weidenhofer, Bill (Sue) Weidenhofer, 20 grandchildren, 18 great

grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. He is also survived by his brother Jack Benson. Besides his wife and parents, Murray was predeceased by his two sisters Donna Mae Whitney and Patricia Cash. At Murray’s request no services will be held. A celebration of life will be held this summer. Flowers

are gratefully declined, and Memorials can be made to the Benson Cash Family Scholarship Fund at the Northern Chautuauqua Community Foundation,

212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048 or Chautuauqua Hospice & Palliative Care. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimko funeralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 679-9000.