John Daniel ‘Jack’ Benson Sr.

SMETHPORT, Pa. — John Daniel “Jack” Benson Sr. passed away Wednesday (July 8, 2026) in Sena Kean Manor.

Jack was born Nov. 11, 1942, in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of John J. and May I. Venator Benson.

Jack grew up on a farm in Turtlepoint, and often had to walk the five miles between the farm and school in Port Allegany, uphill both ways in waste deep snow.

In his senior year of high school, Jack was president of the senior class, captain of the football team and president of the Future Farmers of America. Jack graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1962 and attended Alfred Technical College.

On Oct. 9,1965, Jack married the former Connie Baker at the United Brethren Church in Port Allegany, and they were married for 60 years. Jack and Connie had two children, John D. (Susan) Benson Jr. of Philadelphia and Amy Benson (Tom J.) Murphy of Port Allegany. Jack had three grandchildren, Caleb (Sarah) Benson, Sam Benson and Marcus Murphy, and two great-grandchildren, Sophia Benson and Kinskey (aka Kinsley) Benson.

Jack was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Port Allegany. He worked for North Penn Gas Cornpany for over 35 years, was a Boy Scout troop leader, 4-H Club leader, host of weekend-long high school class reunions and friend, confidant and mentor to many.

Jack was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills and his eternal regret was never getting to see the Bills win a Super Bowl.

Jack knew how to have a good time and how to bring joy to others. Among his favorite activities were sitting on the front porch with a cold beer waving at people driving by and going to the park with his best friend, Malon Postlewait, to “feed the squirrels.”

In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jack is survived by his sisters, JoAnn Ellis of Allegany, N.Y., Mary Ann Miller of Port Allegany and Noreen (Reginald) Coneys of Port Allegany; and his brothers, Daniel Benson of Warren and Richard (Linda) Benson of Turtlepoint; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Jack was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Carol Howard; his in-laws, Bernard and Helen Baker; his daughter-in-law, Susan Sygenda Benson; and his brothers-in-law, Joseph Ellis, Gib Miller, Kenny Howard, Bob Baker and Bill Baker.

There will be no visitation. A funeral at St. Joseph’s  and an appropriate (for the Benson farnily) celebration of life will be held on a date to be announced.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at wvvw.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc. Port Allegany.