William "Bill" Nelson Benson

William “Bill” Nelson Benson, 91, of Ford City, was called home by his heavenly Father on November 15, 2022. Bill was born on March 1, 1931 in Susquehanna, PA, to the late Jay and Esther (Quick) Benson. 

Bill is remembered lovingly by his family as a kind, caring, thoughtful father, grandfather, uncle, and cousin. He was known for his love of telling stories, ability to make others laugh, devotion to his faith, and unyielding love for his wife, Myrtle. 

Bill was a graduate of Susquehanna High School and went on to receive a bachelor’s of science degree from East Stroudsburg State Teacher’s College and a master’s of divinity degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as a minister for Olivet Baptist Church in Trenton, NJ and First Baptist Church in Willimantic, CT. He then went on to work for the PA Department of Environmental Resources and retired from there after 25 years. 

Bill cared deeply about his family and loved spending time with them. He enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking, gardening, card playing, and bird watching. He was an avid student of finance, and gave sound financial advice to his family and friends over the years. Bill and Myrtle spent winters in Fort Myers Beach, FL and made two road trips out west with friends. 

Before the time of internet or YouTube, Bill studied magazine articles to learn construction skills and added a sunporch on to their house and built two barns. He also enjoyed making toys and furniture for his grandchildren. 

He was passionate about genealogy. Bill was proud to share information about the Benson Family’s history from the year 1638 when his ancestors John and Mary Benson came over to America from England on the good ship Confidence. 

He had a helping heart and liked to make others’ lives better. Bill volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. He was a good listener and counseled many with helpful advice over the years. 

Bill had a soft spot in his heart for the neighborhood stray cats, feeding them and making winter beds for them. 

Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Myrtle (Mack) Benson of Ford City; daughters: Linda Trego and her partner, Don Wyant, of Kittanning, and Carol Stropki (Dan) of Solon, OH; son, Tom Benson (Lucy) of Olympia, WA; grandchildren Will Trego, Marsha Trego (Alex Bondoux), Sarah Trego, and John Bics (Sarah); sister Maxine Blevins of Louisville, KY; special great-nephew Jay Benson (Ann) of Kingston, MA and great-niece Heather Gienapp (John) of Naples, FL; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Esther; infant daughter, Lynne Christine; and siblings Stuart, Jean, and Doris. 

Friends are invited to gather with family on Saturday, November 19, 2022, between 10 a.m., and the start of the memorial service at 11 a.m., at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City.  All are invited to attend a celebration of life luncheon following the service at 2233 Park Avenue, Ford City. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Good Samaritan Hospice (https://concordialm.org/donate/) or to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (https://curealz.org/giving/ways-to-donate/). 

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