Matamoras Rod & Gun Club

Robert L. Benson, Sr., 78, of Montague, died Thursday, February 4, 2016, at Newton Medical Center.

Born in Newton, Robert was a lifetime resident of Sussex County. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran, serving from 1955 to 1959, and was in the Reserves until 1963. He retired as a Captain from the New Jersey Department of Corrections in Rahway, where he had worked from 1960 to 2000. During that time, he had been the Supervisor in charge of Mountainview Correctional Facilities in Montague.

Robert's community involvement was extensive and included the Montague Seniors, serving as the Montague Township Constable, Sergeant-At-Arms of the Montague/Frankford Court, a former Scout Master for Troop 182 in Montague, and a past member and secretary of the Montague Volunteer Fire Department. A former Montague Grange member, Robert received the Community Service Award from the Montague Grange as well as the Community Service Award from the New Jersey State Grange. He was also a past member and President of the Montague School Board, and received the honor of having the gymnasium at the Montague School being named the Robert L. Benson Gymnasium. Other memberships included the NRA, a member of the Matamoras Rod & Gun Club, a member of the former Fredon Marksmen Club, and a member of the former Alcan Rod & Gun Club. An active member of Marine Corps League 747 Detachment PFC Jeffrey S. Patterson in Sparta, Robert was the Marine Corps coordinator for Toys for Tots in Montague, a member of American Legion Post 157 in Branchville, a member of the Military Transport Association, as well as Red Ball Military Transport.

Robert was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved his family immensely and believed if you had the love of family and friends, you didn't
need much more. Robert was a sharing and caring soul who lived his life doing the things he wanted to do, the way he wanted to do them. He was very proud to be called a Marine and lived and breathed the Marine lifestyle. He was proud of his life accomplishments and enjoyed his life to the fullest he could. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and community, but his spirit will march on.
Semper Fi.

The son of the late Roy and Elizabeth (nee Regino) Benson, Mr. Benson was also predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Marion (nee Cedzidlo); his brother, John Benson and wife, Linda; and stepfather, Harrison Longcore. He is survived by four children, Katherine Snyder and husband, Terrance, Beverly Benson, Robert L. Benson, Jr., and Patricia Benson, all of Montague; and two grandchildren, Terrance Snyder, Jr., and Kristen Snyder. He is also survived by two siblings, Clara Kieran and husband,. Charles, of Newton and Richard Longcore and wife, Susan, of Frankford Township; his close friend, Dorothy Ames; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will begin at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at the Smith-McCracken, 63 High Street, Newton, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle R.C. Church in Sandyston Township. Interment will follow in Hainesville Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2016, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., with Marine Corps League services at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or the Toys for Tots program. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.