Richard A. Benson 1947-2025
YOUNGSTOWN — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Alfred Benson, aka “Pappy,” 78, who left us Saturday, March 29, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. Rick was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was a model and inspiration for his entire family.
Rick was born Feb. 7, 1947, in Youngstown, to Carl Arthur Benson and Maude Edith Storey Benson. Rick spent his childhood on Thornhill Road with his siblings, Arthur T. Benson, Virginia Benson Ladig, R. Thomas Benson and Herbert L. Benson. He graduated from The Rayen School in 1965 and attended Youngstown State University.
Rick went on to serve in the U.S. Navy up to the rank of petty officer third class, with a rating as a radarman. He was stationed on the USS Hancock, where he received several honors and awards, and was honorably discharged in 1969.
Rick went on to a lifelong career at AT&T, where he was proud to serve as a union representative for the Communications Workers of America. Rick was also very involved with his church, First Presbyterian of Youngstown, where he served as both a deacon and an elder, and the American Legion and VFW Post 419 out of Girard, where he served as commander of the VFW Post for 16 years, up until his passing.
Finally, Rick was a prior member of the Vasa Club and was involved in the Boy Scouts of America Troop 55, where he was an assistant Scoutmaster, district commander of the Mahoning Valley Council and currently was the charter organization representative with First Presbyterian Church. He was also previously affiliated with Troop 46 based out of Churchill United Methodist Church, where he served as Scoutmaster. As a result of his lifetime commitment to the Boy Scouts, he was awarded the Celtic Cross Award in 2021 from the National Association of Presbyterian Scouters.
Rick loved camping, with some of his favorite memories taking place with his family and friends at Holiday Camplands in Andover. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles, attending off-Broadway theater, playing darts and bowling in local leagues.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Milicich Benson; his sons, Josh (Kim Burke), Matthew (Sarah Beasley) and Lucas (Libby Fawcett); his brother, R. Thomas Benson; and his sister-in-law, Cindy Milicich. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sydney (Jeremy), Olivia, Emily, Bridget, Jack, Maggie, Mary, Caroline and Cindy, who provided him with untold joy and happiness in his final decades. He additionally leaves behind his cherished pets, Zeke, Ruby, Louie and Kato.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Arthur and Maude Edith; his brothers, Arthur and Herbert; his sister, Virginia; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stephen Milicich and Mildred Adamovich Milicich.
Rick will be remembered for his kind heart, his jovial (and irreverent) sense of humor and the endless love he had for his family. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy and spirit will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown. There will be additional calling hours 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, followed by a service at 11 a.m.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown.
(special notice)