Edward Wells Benjamin, Jr.'s Obituary
Edward Benjamin, 84, of Syracuse, passed away November 25, 2022. He was born in Utica, NY, son of the late Edward Wells and Hilda Ruth (Norwood) Benjamin, Sr. Edward enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1955 - June 1958 (Active Duty) and served with the 86th Army Corps of Engineers, 823rd Heavy Construction Battalion, 2nd Combat Engineers Battalion 1958 - 1963 Reserves, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Syracuse University School of Architecture (graduated third in his class) Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society.
Edward was a published author and avid history enthusiast. He loved to spend time reading military history, architectural history, and classic American literature, and adding books of these genre to his extensive home library. He was active in the Boy Scouts and achieved his Eagle Scout. He was an active member of Boy Scout Troop 87 during his son's time in scouting and he maintained an active affiliation with Boy Scouts through the years. As a father, he was always there for those summer t-ball games, school sports, plays, recitals, and graduations. Always cheering for his kids and encouraging them; supporting any goals or aspirations they had in pursuit of careers of their own. Edward enjoyed stamp collecting, classic toy trains, taking vacations with his family to the Caribbean, being outdoors, camping, day trips in the canoe with his family, physical fitness, playing tennis, watching NY Giants football, Boston Red Sox baseball, and all sports Syracuse Orange. He had a passion for sketching, drawing, and perfecting his artistic craft. Ed was often seen enjoying the company of his friends and co-workers at the popular Dinosaur BBQ restaurant in downtown Syracuse. Over the years, in lieu of all these activities, he became immersed in Victorian era architecture and history. This inspired him to write his first book with a small town nestled in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania called Jim Thorpe as its focal point. Edward made many trips over the years while pursuing this endeavor. Often with him at any given time were his two sons Mark and Todd, his daughter Ashley, close friends, and his beautiful wife and biggest cheerleader Karen. Upon its completion in 2011, his book "The Architectural Heritage of Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania" received the Merit award for writing, format, and historical research in 2018 by the CNY Chapter of American Institute of Architects. In most recent years he took on a second book which he successfully completed and is currently in the final stages to be published. Edward was passionate about his profession. His childhood memories of his loving family, friends, military service, and life changing experiences through the years fueled his imagination. He had the ability to transcribe these images into his own unique artistic fingerprint to share with the world.
You were a loving Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather. You had the ability to step back into the shoes of your childhood when playing with your children and their toys especially with those model trains. You were a good friend and always saw the positive qualities in people and were always accepting of all. You will be forever loved and always remembered. Your inspirational art, drawings, sketches, and way of words will echo through generations.
Edward was predeceased by his son, Scott Wells Benjamin, in 1997.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Karen Annette Benjamin; his children Todd Edward (Lucille) Benjamin, Mark Wells (Sara) Benjamin, and Ashley Miles Benjamin; grandchildren, Alexandria Lee (Thomas) Furgal, Mason Wells Benjamin, Kennedy Tessa Benjamin, and Carter Allan Benjamin; great-granddaughter, Sophia Furgal.
Family and friends may call on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY 13212. A funeral service in celebration of Edward’s life will follow immediately at 4:00 PM at the funeral home. A burial and celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at the Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Edward’s name may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts of America, Delta Sigma Epsilon, United States Army Museum, Marine Corps Toys for Tots, U.S. Army Foundation, or the Vietnam Veterans Association.
“Each of us touches the lives of everyone we know in ways that we can never understand.” -Edward W. Benjamin Jr. Memoirs
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