Dr. Benshoff was proud to graduate in the largest class ever to matriculate from Windber High School in 1940. He attended the University of Pittsburgh’s Johnstown campus until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. After serving in the Army in the U.S. he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh twice, with a B.S. and an M.D. Dr. Benshoff followed medical school with a residency in pathology at the Presbyterian Hospitals in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. He was board certified in Pathologic Anatomy and Clinical Pathology. Dr. Benshoff volunteered for the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Captain Benshoff was the Chief Pathologist at the Air Force Hospital in Wiesbaden, West Germany. He returned as a Major to his beloved western Pennsylvania in 1953. He first worked in Meadville, PA as a pathologist. In 1955 he moved to his family’s hometown of Johnstown, PA. Dr. Benshoff served as the chief pathologist at the Mercy Hospital from 1955 to his retirement in 1995.
Dr. Benshoff served as the president of the medical staff of the Mercy Hospital, and later served as the secretary/treasurer of the medical staff for many years. He served as the Secretary of the Cambria County Medical Society for decades. In addition, he served as an Elder of the Westmont Presbyterian Church for years. He had many hobbies including traveling, photography, sailing, carpentry, shooting, pool, restoring antique American firearms and building intricate models and machines of all kinds. Dr. Benshoff’s avocation was studying military history, especially the American Civil War. He visited almost all of the Civil War battlefields. After his family he loved his many dogs, beginning with the boyhood dog, Flash.
Dr. Benshoff was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur M. Benshoff M.D. and Zella Kessler Benshoff, both of Windber, PA, and his older brother, Arthur M. Benshoff, Jr. M.D.
Dr. Benshoff is survived by his spouse, Vivian Leaf Benshoff, Macon, GA and by his children, Albert M. Benshoff (Kristine), Concord, NC, Ericha R. Benshoff, M.D., Macon, GA and Harry M. Benshoff, Carrollton, TX; his grandchildren Matthew A. Benshoff, M.D. (LeeMarie), Concord, NC, Laura E. Benshoff, Philadelphia, PA and Taylor E. Moyer, Macon, GA; and one great-grandchild, Arthur W. Benshoff.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude and respect for the staff at Carlyle Place, and especially those at Harrington House and Stafford Suites, who loved and cared for him for many years.
A private memorial service will be held 12:00 PM Noon, Friday, January 7, 2022 in Andersonville National Cemetery, in Andersonville, Georgia. Rev. Paul Dziadul will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
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Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road has charge of arrangements.
