Dr. Jerome V. Benz, retired dentist
Dr. Jerome V. Benz, 80, of Milton, formerly of Conyngham, Pa., passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, April 8, 2023, after a long battle with liver disease, with his loving wife at his side. He was born May 12, 1942, in Evanston, Ill., son of the late Charles and Dolores Benz.
Dr. Benz graduated from Barrington Consolidated High School in 1960, continuing to earn a bachelor's degree in biology in 1965 from St. Ambrose College. After college, Jerry worked as a biology teacher at Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia, Pa., where he met the love of his life, Paula Martyak, a math teacher at the same school. While teaching, Jerry earned a master’s in education from Temple University in 1967, the same year Jerry and Paula were married in Hazleton, Pa., June 24. Shortly thereafter, Jerry attended dental school at the University of Pittsburgh, earning his DMD in 1972, and then his post-doctorate in prosthodontics in 1974. Starting in 1972, Dr. Benz began his career as a dentist, retiring in 2019 after many dedicated years.
Anyone who knows Jerry, knows he was an avid outdoorsman, hunting, fishing, trap shooting, and gardening any chance he could, often with one of his many beloved hunting dogs at his side. When he was not outdoors, he enjoyed cooking, eating, baking bread and reading.
Dr. Benz was active in his community, serving VA Hospital patients with necessary dental care. As a doctor, he always had time to chat with his patients, telling stories, sharing laughs, and providing the best of care, going above and beyond taking calls day and night to help those in need. He was active in Rotary International for many years, including a term as president. Born and raised Roman Catholic, Dr. Benz was a longtime parishioner of St. John Bosco Parish in Conyngham, Pa., including many years in the church choir.
Above all, Jerry treasured time with his family and wanted nothing but happiness for everyone. He was a kind, humble, compassionate, and loving man, who loved his wife Paula with all his heart. He loved his children very much and absolutely cherished his time with his grandchildren. Dr. Benz was nothing less than a loving and devoted husband, father, poppop, and friend. He was loved by so many and will be forever missed.
In addition to his parents, Dr. Benz was preceded in death by his son Thomas "Timmy" Benz; and his sister Mary Benz. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Paula Benz (née Martyak); his children, Dr. Jerome V. Benz Jr. "Jerry" and wife Kathleen, Nicholas C. Benz “Nick” and wife Francoise, and Nicole A. Sartori "Coco" and husband John; and his grandchildren, Natalie, JJ, Noah, Leo and Rory Benz.
A viewing will take place at 1 p.m., Monday, April 17, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 18, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Dr. Benz's memory to either St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton, Pa., stjosephscenter.org/donations/memorial-donation; or Lewes in Bloom, lewesinbloom.org/product/donations-to-lewes-in-bloom-fill-in-amount.
Visit Dr. Benz’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
