Richard “Dick” J. Benner, 77, of Cazenovia, passed away Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. He was born July 14, 1944, in Syracuse to Francis and Margaret Benner. Dick was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Vietnam Era. He was an active in the Cazenovia community where he was a member of the American Legion Post No. 88, Cazenovia serving as Post Commander from 2015 to 2020; a member of In Your Pace running club where he organized their annual MADCOW 5K and as a crossing guard for the Cazenovia Central School District. Dick retired from the Cazenovia Post Office as a rural mail carrier in 2007 and at the age of 70 he earned his general equivalency diploma. After mastering 30 years on booze and idiocy, Dick became a responsible community member with the help of God, A.A. and the Cazenovia American Legion. He was a 41-year member of A.A.
Dick is survived by his wife of 14 years, Patti Benner; his daughters, Terri (Shawn), Meghan (Kelly) and Stephanie (James); his sister, Margaret Costello and by his grandchildren, Casie, Lucas, Alyssa, Carly and Alex. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Kate McCullough.
Calling hours are 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at the American Legion Post No. 88, 26 Chenango St., Cazenovia. Memorial services with military honors will be held at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday at the legion with a reception to follow. Contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to the Cazenovia American Legion Post #88, Cazenovia, 26 Chenango St., Cazenovia, NY 13035 or to Alcoholics Anonymous online at contributions.aa.org. To leave a message of sympathy for the Benner family, please visit michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
