| Date of Birth | February 19, 1949 |
| Date Deceased | March 3, 2024 |
| Hometown | Avoca |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | March 7, 2024 |
| Service Time | 2 p.m. |
| Service Location | Avoca Methodist Church |
| Interment Location | Valley View Cemetery, Avoca |
Wayne George Benton
AVOCA – Wayne George Benton, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 75 years old.
Born on February 19, 1949, in Salamanca, NY to George and L. Alice (Watson) Benton.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mechele (Fervan) Benton; three children, Bradley (Mari Oliver), Aaron and Emily Benton; his brother Bruce (Mary) Benton; brothers-in-law Douglas Fervan and Daniel (Rebecca) Fervan; and nephews and niece Kevin Benton, Matt (Tiffany) Benton, Sarah (Caleb) Lim, Alexander (Alyssa) Fervan, Christopher (Emily) Fervan. He was predeceased by his two nephews, Eric Benton and Patrick Fervan.
He graduated from Little Valley Central School in 1967, where he served as class president and was involved in several sports including football, basketball, baseball, skiing, and track & field. He attended SUNY Brockport and the University of Iowa ultimately earning an MBA. While attending college he was drafted into the US Army and was honorably discharged. He was a Life Member and Past Commander of the American Legion of Little Valley. His early work experience included working at the Cattaraugus County Bank in Little Valley, NY. After moving to Avoca, he established the Arnold and Benton Agency, and retired in 2019. He was recognized for his numerous insurance successes, many of which allowed him and his wife to travel the world. In 2022, he was awarded he Community Lifetime Achievement Award for Avoca to honor his local contributions.
One of his greatest joys in life was watching his children play sports. When not in work uniform, one could find him wearing his beloved New York Yankees hat as he was an avid fan and memorabilia collector. He was passionate about his local community, especially youth sport leagues including baseball, softball, and basketball.
Calling hours are 1-2 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024 immediately followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at the Avoca Methodist Church, 8593 Jacobs Ladder Road, Avoca. Burial will be at Valley View Cemetery in Avoca.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CareFirstNY Hospice or the Avoca Youth Sports. For CareFirstNY, please send donations to 3805 Meads Creek Rd. Painted Post, NY 14870. For Avoca Youth Sports, please send donations to 3 Chase St, Avoca, NY 14809, Village of Avoca-Youth Sports. For both donations, please note “Benton Memorial” in the memo.
Though he may be gone, Wayne’s spirit will live on in the memories we hold dear. May he rest in peace, knowing that he was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., AVOCA is honored to assist Wayne’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Wayne are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
Wayne was a pillar of our Avoca community. A quiet man that made a big difference in our community. He served a a director of the Bank of Avoca. Wayne supported many organizations, especially mens and ladies golf tournaments. We will miss men like Wayne.
Oh Mechele I am so sad to read of your loss. I pray Wayne’s celestial transition was peaceful and joyous. Care First are wonderful people. I know the care he received from them was top notch. Hugs to you and your family. With love, Cathy & Rick.
My condolences to the family. Wayne was a great man and a dear friend. He will be missed. RIP my friend.
Michele and family,
So sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
He was a remarkable man and will be missed.
He’s not gone for he will forever live on in your hearts.
My deepest condolences to Aaron and Wayne’s entire family. Wayne was an incredible person always glad to chat at skeet shoots when Aaron was younger. I will see you again old friend. God Bless you
Sorry to hear about Buddy. He was a good friend, an excellent golfer, and a credit to the Little Valley community. Sincere condolences to his family.
Very sorry for your loss Michelle and family. Wayne was a very kind man and a great contribution to our hometown. He will be missed. You’re all in my prayers during this sorrowful time. Godspeed Wayne.