Wayne George Benton

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.