Richard C. Benson Sr.

BENSON, RICHARD CARL, SR. Richard Carl Benson, Sr., of Madison, CT passed away peacefully the morning of October 2, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. Dick was born in New Haven, CT, on October 7, 1935, and was predeceased by his mother and father, Carl and Helen Benson. He is survived by two sisters Lisa Kinsella of Hamden, and Gail Mansa of Boynton Beach, FL. His wife, Gail, of 52 years and children, Lisa and Richard Jr. also reside in Madison with their families. Dick graduated from Wilber Cross High School and the University of New Haven. He worked for himself as a manufacturer's representative in the packaging industry for many years. Prior to that, he worked for Warner Lambert Corp. He was an avid boater all his life and enjoyed sailing the waters off Leetes Island Guilford and beyond. He also enjoyed golf and trips with his family to Hilton Head, S.C. Always willing to try something new, his other interests over the years ranging from skiing to hunting and gardening to music. Dick was a long-time member of the Madison Rotary Club, serving as past president and also District Governor in Southern CT. He took great pride in this achievement and worked very hard at promoting the goals of Rotary, especially the ideals of "Service above self". He was also a board member of Camp Hazen in Chester, CT, and the Madison Foundation. Dick took many trips to Jeremy Haiti as a part of the Haitian Health Foundation in Norwich, CT. His fundraising activities at home helped this village immensely through his "Dick's Kids" program where goats could be purchased and donated to needy families. He also helped raise money for "Happy Houses" providing decent shelter where none existed before. Family and friends may visit the Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Rd., Madison, on Thursday October 6th, from 4 to 7. A Christian Mass will be celebrated at 10am Friday, October 7, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in New Haven. Interment will be in West Side Cemetery, North Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Madison Rotary Club or Haitian Health Foundation of Norwich. Please visit swanfuneralhomemadison.com for condolences and tributes.