Raymond M. Benn

Raymond M. Benn of Mount Holly died peacefully at home on Friday, May 15, 2009 in Mount Holly, New Jersey. He was 92. Before his passing Ray wrote the following words about himself: Andy Warhol once said everyone in their lifetime will experience 15 minutes of greatness. I experienced my 15 minutes of greatness many times over in performing 60 combat missions over North Africa, Sicily and Italy during WWII. If I am remembered for anything, I’d like it to be for the following reasons: 1) I fought in a war and served through two more. 2) I helped to raise two fine sons. 3) I stayed out of jail. 4) I paid my taxes. Not bad for a guy with little talent. I always had a great love for my family and friends although I was very awkward in expressing it, but it was always there. Love, Ray. Born in Darby, Pennsylvania on December 29, 1916 Ray was a graduate of Lansdowne High School in Lansdowne, PA class of 1935. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for twenty-seven years during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was a turret gunner in a B-25 as part of the squadron known as the “Earthquakers”. While in the Air Force he fell in love with and married Marie Cohen in Tangier, Morocco in December 1956. After his 27 year career in the U.S. Air Force, Ray and Marie started their own business RayMar Associates as owner/operators of the WaWa store in Browns Mills, NJ. Ray enjoyed going to the casinos in Atlantic City, watching the Eagles Football Games, watching the U.S. Tennis Open, taking long walks with his grandchildren, playing chess, reading, feeding the ducks and going to the VFW in Medford. He also enjoyed his volunteer work at McGuire Air Force Base (DEERS Section) and at the Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly. He was predeceased by his wife of forty-one years Marie Benn in June 1998 who he loved very much, his parents David Leon and Florence Benn, and his brother Clair Benn. He is survived by his two sons: David Benn and his wife Terri of Mount Holly, Daniel Benn and his partner Michal Marcyn of Miami Beach, Florida; two grandchildren: David Michael Benn, Sr. and Michelle Benn both of Mount Holly; one great-grandson: “DJ” David Michael Benn, Jr. of Mount Holly, his cousin Dorothy Weeks and her son Lex of West Grove, Pennsylvania and his extended family: Dolly Weeks, Ida Danley, The Danley Family, The Downs Family, The Melin Family, The Monroe Family, Mike Cristinzio, Mandi and Jack Schumacher. All loved Ray very much and he loved them very much in return. Ray will be sadly missed but always loved and remembered. Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday from 10:00 - 11:00 am and following will be a Service at 11:00 am at PERINCHIEF CHAPELS, 438 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060. The interment will be private with full military honors at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Ray Benn’s memory be made to: The Hospice of Moorestown VNA, 300 Harper Drive, Moorestown, New Jersey 08057.

Raymond M. Benn

December 29, 1916 - May 15, 2009