Bill

William E. Benjamin, known affectionately to his friends and family as "Bill," passed away peacefully at his home in Towanda, PA, on November 27, 2023. Bill was born on June 12, 1939, and throughout his 84 years, he lived a life that was rich in love, wisdom, and a remarkable ability to turn his hands to any task.

At a young age, Bill heeded the call of duty and left school to serve his country with the US Navy. On May 10, 1958, he married Laura Sick and together they have shared many memories. Following an honorable discharge, Bill was employed as a salesman for Bern Furniture in Towanda for several years and retired from E.I.DuPont as an Assistant Screen Area Engineer after 23 years of service. A role he carried out with dedication and professionalism.

However, Bill's talents extended far beyond his professional life. He was a masterful woodworker, and the homes of his daughters stand as a testament to his skills. An avid outdoorsman, Bill found peace and joy in hunting, fishing, and trapping. His vegetable gardens were a sight to behold, and the beauty of his flower gardens brought joy to all who saw them. Known for his talent as a whistler, his melodies often filled the air, creating a soundtrack to the memories his family will forever cherish.

Bill was a man of many attributes, but those who knew him best will remember him for his loving nature, his wisdom, and his extraordinary handiness. His ability to fix anything, build anything, and grow anything was a source of constant amazement and a symbol of his love for his family. Every project he undertook, every vegetable he grew, every fish he caught was an expression of his love for those he cared about.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Laura Alice (Sick) Benjamin, their daughters and sons-in-law, Tina and Gerald Irvine, Carla and Michael Welliver, Zannetta and John Rees. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Amanda Evans, Anthony Irvine, Heather Patterson, Eric Patterson, Rhiannon Rees, Tori Bristol and Tara Welliver. Bill was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Brooklyn and Gage Evans, LilyAnn, Benjamin, and Connor Sproule, Greyson and Colton Irvine. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Richard Bata-McCracken, brother and sister-in-law Jack C. and Sandy Vanderpool, and sister-in-law Leona Curtis. Bill also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and a community that loved him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary (Wood) Johnson and Floyd Benjamin, his brother Robert (Janet) Benjamin, sisters Cleone (Bryon) Ellis and Ann (Charles) Brannen-Overpeck, as well as his brother-in-law Carl Curtis.

In the words of Albert Einstein, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." Bill lived this quote every day, devoting his life to his family, sharing his wisdom, and using his skills to create a better world for those he loved.

As we remember Bill, we celebrate a life well-lived, a man well-loved, and a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us. His memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and in the beauty he created, both in his gardens and in the homes he built. His was a life of service, love, and unending dedication to his family. Bill will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the lives of those he touched.

We will gather privately as a family to celebrate and remember his life at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting his guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Wounded Warrior project 600 River Avenue, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 or to the Bridge Street Hill Rod & Gun Club PO Box 82, Towanda, PA 18848 in loving memory of William “Bill” Benjamin.