David Jay Benson Obituary
David Jay Benson, 69, of Benton Harbor, passed away, Monday, August 5, 2024 at Corwell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.
A Celebration of Life Service will be planned and announced at a later date. Private burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Memorial donations in David’s name may be made to Boy Scout Troop #623, St. Joseph or the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to sign David’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
David was born June 19, 1955 in Oceanport, New Jersey to Lee & Marcia (Tendick) Benson. He was active in boy scouts during his school years and went on to earn his Eagle Scout at age seventeen. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1973 where he participated on the swim team. At Hope College, he was a member of the archery team, and after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree, David gained employment with Gast Manufacturing in Benton Harbor on the international sales team. He also helped his Father in the family businesses, Benson’s Painting and at Baskin Robbins in St. Joseph. David was a member of Pathway Global Methodist Church where he attended bible study and was a former member of the St. Joseph Masonic Lodge. In his free time David enjoyed family vacations, tending to his yard and his gardens, boating, especially sailing, and being barefoot outside whenever he could. David also enjoyed animals and was loyal to his family and friends and was always willing to do for others. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
David is survived by his long-time companion Shelley Deitrich Barberino; his children-Ashley (Eric) Keefer of Bastrop, TX, & Shannon (Jonathan) Goad of San Antonio, TX; his grandchildren-Aly & Audrey Keefer, Kaili, Paige & Devin DeStazio, JJ & Joy Goad; his sister Milisa (Dean) Johnson of Fort Wayne, IN; and his aunt Ann Benson of St. Joseph; Shelley’s children-PJ, Anthony & David Barberino; and Shelley’s grandson Rocky Barberino. He was preceded in death by his father Lee Benson, his mother Marcia Benson and his brother Mark Benson.
