John F. Benko Sr.

Retired Greeneville businessman, John F. Benko, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, August 12, 2015, surrounded by his family after a lengthy bout of failing health. He was 94. Born in Czechoslovakia on August 29, 1920, he came to the United States with his family where they located in Pittsburgh, PA. It was there he received his education. He entered the Army in 1942 and served with the 3rd Infantry Division during WWII. Through his distinguished service career, which included the battle of Anzio beachhead south of Rome, he was awarded four Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, and a Silver Star for Gallantry and Heroism in action. He left the Army in 1947 with the rank of Captain returning to Pittsburgh to work for the Edwin L. Wiegand Company. He moved his family to Tennessee in 1957 after being transferred to Murfreesboro. The family moved to Greeneville in 1961 where he worked at MECO for 10 years. He went to work at Delfasco, Inc. in 1971 from which he retired as Vice President and General Manager in 1985.

An avid and lifelong outdoorsman until his failing health, he served for many years on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Conservation League and was a lifetime member of the Greene County Fishing and Hunting Club and the National Rifle Association. He attended Notre Dame Catholic Church and was the first Parish Council President. He is also a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus. He was recently awarded the Quilt of Valor in honor of his military service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Benko. Brothers, Joseph and Francis. Sister, Eleanor Agapito.

He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Rita. One brother and sister in law, William and Marietta Benko of Woodbridge, VA. Two sons and daughter in law, John F. Benko, Jr. of Johnson City, and Mark and Martie Benko of Greeneville. Three daughters and sons in law, Patricia Benko of Nashville, Kathy and Art Long of Burke, VA and Becky and Kim Chamberlin of Crossville, TN.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Mark William Benko of Knoxville, Tracie Thompson of Tampa, FL, Ben Benko of Greeneville, Brian Benko of Tampa, FL, Mary Benko of Greeneville, Eric Chamberlin of Knoxville and Kevin Chamberlin of Charlotte, NC. Other relatives include several great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements: Visitation will be Sunday August 16 from 2-5 p.m. at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home. Following visitation, there will be a Rosary conducted by Knights of Columbus of Notre Dame Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be Monday August 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church with Father Dan Whitman officiating. Internment will follow at GreeneLawn Memory Gardens. The Greene County Honor Guard and the Tennessee National Guard will conduct a military graveside service.

Pallbearers: Five grandsons Mark Benko, Jr., Ben Benko, Brian Benko, Eric Chamberlin, Kevin Chamberlin, two nephews Bill Benko, and Bob Benko.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Notre Dame Catholic Church Building Fund, 212 Mt. Bethel Road, Greeneville, TN 37745.

The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of Amedisys Hospice, especially Peggy West and Jennifer Cox and also to caregiver Ashley Guinn, Dr. Thomas Beckner, and his nurse Allison Lynch.