In Memory
Joseph Frank Benko, Jr.
April 21, 1943 - Jan. 28, 2021
SOUTH BEND, IN -
Joseph F. Benko, Jr., a lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the age of 77. His parents, Margaret and Joseph Benko preceded him in death.
Joe graduated from Riley High School in 1962. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War earning the National Defense Service Medal/Vietnam Service Medal and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Award. He also served as an Instructor at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois, receiving an Honorable Discharge
After the service he went to Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he met and married his wife, Sharon Prince Benko; they enjoyed 52 years together. Along with Sharon, he is survived by our son, Joey, daughter-in-law, Jessica Benko, and our daughter, Bridgette Benko Paul. Joe is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Denise Prince Brownlow (Bill) and Mary Prince Marshall (Tom); brother-in-law, David Prince (LaDonna), and numerous nieces and nephews.
His passions in life included golf, hunting geese and deer, fishing in Indiana and tarpon fishing in Naples, Florida. He also enjoyed trapshooting events with lifelong friends in Indiana and Michigan. Joe loved his life, loved his family, and lived life to the fullest every single day.
A private family Celebration of Life will be held in Naples at a later date, as he wished. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his favorite charity, Naples Take a Soldier Fishing at www.NaplesTASF.com.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in South Bend Tribune on Feb. 2, 2021.
02.02.2021 djb
|