Benson, William “Bill”, 76, of Safety Harbor, FL, died August 9th, 2022. Born Sept 25th, 1945; preceded in death by his parents William J. and Josephine P. and sister Barbara of Braddock, PA. Served in the US Air Force 1966-72 with an honorable discharge as Staff Sergeant. Served in Southeast Asia from ‘67- ‘69. Awarded the Nat’l. Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Republic of SVN Campaign, and Good Conduct with cluster medals as well as AF Outstanding Unit Award and Presidential Unit Citations.
Bill didn’t feel special about all he did – maintaining that “he had a small part in many big things” – hot war, cold war, one revolution with extensive travel thrown in. He was a big fan of collegiate and NFL football and NASCAR. He was a member for over 40 years of VFW Post 2473 Clearwater FL, and the American Legion, lastly of Post 275 Dunedin FL, and a life member, charter commander, organizer and a founder of AMVETS USS Cole Post 0067 Clearwater FL. In addition to being AMVETS FL Post Commander of the year 2001-02, he served as District 3 Commander and held several State-level offices. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for many years in several states.
Over his life he lived in Spain, England, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nebraska, Connecticut, Arkansas and finally Florida. A linguist and voracious reader, he spoke Spanish and Thai, and loved to read American and European history books, biographies, and thrillers. He could not be beaten by a crossword puzzle.
Survived by his wife of 23 years, Dawn; his daughters and their spouses, Angela Benson (Matt Clark), Natalie Knapik (Nick); stepchildren John Chrabuszcz (Sandra), Paulette Molinari (Louis) and their families; grandchildren James Benson Clark and Leora Knapik; sister Joyce Milyak; niece Lisa Shannon; nephew Kevin Milyak and their families.
A private family graveside service with Military Honors will be held at the Monongahela Cemetery, North Braddock, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to AMVETS or Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care.
