Robert Carl Benchley

He was born in Detroit, Mich., on Au. 23, 1928, the son of the late Kenneth H. and Mildred S. (Durkee) Benchley.

Robert was an unbelievably hard worker who founded Benchley Construction in 1957 and is still in business today, almost 65 years later. He was a member of the Forestville United Methodist Church, Forestville, the Masonic Lodge and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 17.

In retirement, he enjoyed woodworking in his barn, building furniture for his friends and family. Mr. Benchley also enjoyed returning to Michigan every year to visit with his siblings and their families. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great–grandfather. Mr. Benchley loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids snd great-grandkids. He will be missed by many.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to Dr. Steven Barnes, Kathy Davis, Denise Olsen, Bill Hafner and a special thanks to all the third floor nurses at Brooks Memorial Hospital.

Survivors include two sons: John Merrill and Cornelius (Pam) Benchley; a daughter, Beth Benchley; three sisters; Jean Boyd, Dorothy Cameron and Deloris Collins; five brothers: Elmer (Virginia) Benchley, Revy (Margo) Benchley, Paul (Joyce) Benchley, Thomas Benchley, Kenneth (Cherrie) Benchley; seven grandchildren: John (Molly) Merrill, Jr., Michelle (Todd) Tanner, Brian (Deb Zimmerman) Benchley, Laurie Benchley, Kristen (Caleb Stroup) Benchley, Andrew (Sonja) Benchely and Muffin Thoreson; 13 great-grandchildren: Emily and Nathan Merrill, Riley and Madison Tanner, Lukas, Quinn, Myle and Reese Benchley, Ciara and Patrick O’Connor, Reed Benchley, Nia Benchley-Stroup, and Sierra Thoreson. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews including; Carol Plaehn, Beryl Fuller, Cheryl Majecki, Mary Conradt, Marcia Sheehan, David Kniese, Ronald Kniese, Robert Kniese, John Kniese and Gregory Ferry; and three sisters- in-law: Donna Benchley, Barb Benchley and Jean Benchley.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Nellie (Kniese) Benchley, whom he married on July 18, 1946, in Forestville and who died almost 60 years later on July 9, 2006; a sister, Lois Hammerberg; six brothers: Miles, Floyd, Marvin, Daniel, Donald and Bernard Benchley, seven sis-ters-in-law; Maria Benchley, Vivian Benchley, Dorothy Benchley, Cornelia Ferry, Jane Franwick, Irene Kniese, Twila Kniese; and nine brothers-in-law: Kuno Hammerberg, Kent Boyd, Kenneth Cameron, Richard Collins, Bill Kniese, Cornelius Kniese, John Kniese, Julius Ferry and Richard Franwick.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials may be made either to Forestville Fire Department, Inc., PO Box 299, Forestville, NY 14062 or to the Forestville United Methodist Church, 3 Park Street, Forestville, NY 14062.

Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley, Funeral Home, Forestville.

To post condolences or memories go to www.riles andwoolleyfuneralhome. com