Robert D. Benson

Robert D. Benson “local businessman”

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa.---Robert D. “Bob” Benson, 94 of Shinglehouse, passed away with his loving family by his side on Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Cuba Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Cuba, N.Y.

Born on Sunday, December 11, 1927 in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of Harold P. and Ethel DeGroff Benson. On November 6, 1976 in Shinglehouse, he married Vickie L. Nolan, who survives.

Bob attended Bolivar High School. He quit school at the age of 17 to join the Merchant Marines, serving during World War II. He was then drafted into the US Army, serving honorably during the Korean Conflict.

Bob was employed for many years for Joyce Western in Andover, N.Y. as a superintendent, before beginning a long career as an independent oil and gas producer. He worked steadily through his last year of life.

Bob attended the First Baptist Church in Shinglehouse. He was a continuous 70 plus year member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530,, and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a longtime member and had served on the Board of Directors of the New York State Oil Producers Association. He was a member of Sharon Lodge #598 F. & A.M. in Shinglehouse, a member of the Coudersport Consistory, and a member of the Ismailia Shrine in Buffalo. He enjoyed stock car racing. He loved his family and friends.

Surviving besides his wife are three sons, Don Benson of Allegany, N.Y., Brock R. (Shanna) Benson of Bradford, and Brice N. (Katie) Benson of Kane; two daughters, Cheryl L. Cradduck of New London, NC and Karen B. (Gary) Milliman of Haines City, Florida; a daughter-in-law, Lucy A. Benson of Allegany, N.Y.; fifteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Leonard (Nancy) Benson of West Palm Beach, Florida; many nieces and nephews; and many friends, including his closest friend, James Reynolds of Shinglehouse.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by a daughter, Diane L. Benson-Bundy; a granddaughter, Amanda Cradduck; three brothers, Larry Benson, Glenn Benson, and Donovan Benson; and a sister, Shirley Pounds.

Family and friends may call from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm on Sunday at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, May 2, 2022, at the First Baptist Church, Academy Street, Shinglehouse with Pastor Clint Pearsall, officiating.

Burial will be in the Myrtle Cemetery. Bob’s great-grandfather donated the land for the cemetery.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord full military honors on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pioneer Oil Museum, 395 Main Street, Bolivar, NY 14715 or the First Baptist Church, PO Box 68, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Bob’s family has entrusted his care 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 Bob, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.