Donald R. Benson, proud veteran, musician
Donald R. Benson, 90, of Millsboro, previously of Parsippany, N.J., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at ChristianaCare Hospital after a brief illness. He was born March 22, 1932, in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of the late Carl and Anne Benson.
Don was a graduate of Montclair State University in New Jersey and went on to earn a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York. A proud veteran, Donald served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1952. He married the love of his life, Sophie (Zadelis) Benson, in 1955, and the two would spend the next 67 years together creating a beautiful life and family together. Don’s love of music led him to a lifelong career as an instrumental music teacher for a public school in Rockaway, N.J. During the course of his career, he encountered thousands of students and enriched many lives.
Don played trombone in the Marine Corps Band and also an upright bass and saxophone at the Village Gate in NYC, and even the Jerry Lewis Telethon. He was an accomplished sailor, taking the family on many summer trips exploring New York, New Jersey, and to places as far as Bar Harbor, Maine. Don was forever learning and enjoyed studying Zen philosophy. He always had a fondness for pets of all kinds and a brilliant sense of humor. Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and friend; he will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Neil and Robert Benson. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Sophie (Zadelis); his children: Laurie (Cranley/Hardesty), Melody (Stickler), Monica (Petrucci/Bales), Adam (Lorie Lewis) and Valerie (Haley); his grandchildren: Brad Cranley, Elana (Breiner) Cranley and Robin (Trizza) Hardesty, Michelle, Claire (Gard) and Andrew Stickler, Tommy, Jessie (Brown) and Jason Petrucci, Bodie and Skylar Benson, and Leif and Benson Haley; and his great-grandchildren: Trent Breiner, Amelia Brown and Ella Petrucci; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date for extended family and friends.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Visit Don's Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
