Roy M. Benson

Roy M. Benson, 88, passed away on Monday April 6, 2020 at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. He was born May 24, 1931 to Roy B. Benson and Helen C. (Anderson) Benson in Hartford CT. Roy is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marlene; his daughter Robin Wilson (husband Donald), three granddaughters, Jennifer Conti (husband Angelo), Susan Ghiloni (husband Mark), Christine Devlin (husband Liam) and a beautiful great-granddaughter Abigail Ghiloni. Roy was predeceased by his parents, brother, sister Shirley Williams and brother-in-law Larry.
Roy served his country in the United State Army during the Korean War. Upon his return, he met and married his adored wife Marlene (Wipple) and lived in West Suffield CT for 22 years. They moved to Southwick in 1977 and, in many ways, Roy made Southwick his hometown. He served on the Board of Appeals, Cemetery Commission, and Council on Aging as a board member. Roy was honored with The Hebert Pace Good Citizen Award in 2019. He was a 32nd degree member of Mount Moriah Lodge in Westfield, 3rd Degree Scottish Rite Bodies and held several positions, including Past President of the Southwick Rotary Club and was a past member of the Southwick Historical Commission. Roy was a member of the Antique Auto Club and the Western MA Motel T. Club. He opened and operated Roy’s Trailer Service and Marlco Products in Southwick for 30 years, and also worked part-time for Forastiere Family Funeral Home in Southwick for 25 years. Roy was very proud of his family and they meant the world to him. Roy had a great sense of humor, he whistled his way through life, and we thank him for all the memories.
Roy will be buried with a private ceremony in New Cemetery in Southwick. A public ceremony will be held in the near future. His care is entrusted to Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation. For more information please visit www.forastiere.com.