PORT ALLEGANY — John Daniel “Jack” Benson Sr. passed away Wednesday (July 8, 2026) at Sena Kean Manor.

Jack was born Nov. 11, 1942, in Buffalo, N.Y., a son of John J. and May I. Venator Benson. Jack grew up on a farm in Turtlepoint and often had to walk the 5 miles between the farm and school in Port Allegany, uphill both ways in waist-deep snow.

In his senior year of high school, Jack was president of the senior class, captain of the football team and president of Future Farmers of America. Jack graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1962 and attended Alfred Technical College.

On Oct. 9, 1965, Jack married the former Connie Baker at United Brethren Church in Port Allegany, and they were married for 60 years. Jack and Connie had two children, John (Susan) Benson Jr. of Philadelphia and Amy Benson Murphy (Tom) of Port Allegany; three grandchildren, Caleb (Sarah) Benson, Sam Benson and Marcus Murphy; and two great-grandchildren, Sophia Benson and Kinskey “Kinsley” Benson.

In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jack is survived by his sisters, JoAnn Ellis of Allegany, N.Y., Mary Ann Miller of Port Allegany and Noreen (Reginald) Coneys of Port Allegany; and his brothers, Daniel Benson of Warren and Richard (Linda) Benson of Turtlepoint; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Jack was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Carol Howard; his in-laws, Bernard and Helen Baker; his daughter-in-law, Susan Sygenda Benson; and his brothers-in-law, Joseph Ellis, Gib Miller, Kenny Howard, Bob Baker and Bill Baker.

Jack was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Port Allegany. He worked for North Penn Gas Co. for more than 35 years, was a Boy Scout troop leader, 4-H Club leader, host of weekend-long high school class reunions, and friend, confidant and mentor to many. Jack was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills, and his eternal regret was never getting to see the Bills win a Super Bowl. Jack knew how to have a good time and how to bring joy to others. Among his favorite activities were sitting on the front porch with a cold beer waving at people driving by and going to the Park with his best friend, Malon Postlewait, to “feed the squirrels.”

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

There will be no visitation. A funeral at St. Joseph’s and an appropriate (for the Benson family) celebration of life will be held on a date to be announced.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.