Obituary of Woodruff E. Benson

Woodruff “Woodie” E. Benson, age 100, died on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Lima Estates, where he had been a resident since 2005. Woodie was born in Philadelphia and lived in Delaware County most of his life, graduating from the former Glen-Nor High School in 1938. During WWII, he served 5 years in the Army Air Corps, obtaining the rank of Captain. He served 29 months in the South Pacific as Squadron Navigator in the 57th Troop Carrier Squadron. During his service, he flew 1400 hours in the Pacific and was awarded four air medals, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with eight battle stars, American Theater Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, The WWII Victory Medal and the Air Force Longevity Ribbon. He met his late wife, June, on the ship returning from the Philippines in October 1945. She was a nurse serving in the Pacific for also 29 months. They were married more than 65 years. His business career included almost eighteen years with the Old Atlantic Refining Co. as a Systems Analyst, working with computers in their infancy in 1955. He also worked in Sun Oil Co. with his final years as Records Manager. He was an active member of the Association of Records Manager and Administrators, serving as a regional Vice President, being awarded a number of awards, including the highest award, Records Manager of the Year 1978 and the first recipient of the Norma Hinds Award in Distinguished Service to the Profession. His education included an Associate Degree from the University of Pennsylvania evening school, and a BS from PMC College, now Widener. Also, he attended many computer related classes. He was a member of Reformation Lutheran Church for more than 60 years, a charter member of the American Legion Lima Post #390 and a member of the Penn Oaks Country Club. Woodruff loved humor, golf, gardening and travel. He built his life on Ethics, Honor and Christian Values. Husband of the late June (Parr) Benson; son of the late John and Ella Benson; brother of the late Hartley and John Benson, Jr., and Father-in-Law to the late Thomas Kenney Survivors: Daughters: Linda (Ed) McGrenaghan and Pamela Kenney Grandchildren: William (Beth) Hansel, Cynthia (Kevin) Mariotti, and Michael Hansel Also survived by 7 Great-Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Granddaughters Services and Interment will be private In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Road, West Naples, Florida 34120.