Sergeant First Class Henry Amos Benson, U.S. Army, Retired, 93, passed away peacefully at his daughter Dotti’s home in Tewksbury. He was the widower of Olga Alice (Nawn) Benson, who passed away in 2005.
He was born in Nauvoo, Alabama on April 16, 1930, one of six children of the late John W. Benson and the late Daisy (Bridgeman) Benson. He was raised and educated in Alabama.
Henry enlisted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and served in the Occupation Forces in Europe. He later served two tours of duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1969 after over 20 years of service to his country.
After his service was complete, he began his civilian career, operating M & N Transportation Company in Tewksbury. In 1976 he moved to Bunkie, LA where he and his wife managed the Briarwood Motel until it was sold in 1986. Returning to Tewksbury, he went to work in the custodial departments at the Dewing School and Winn Junior High School, as well as founding and operating his own cleaning company, H & H Cleaning. After a long, decorated and storied career centered in service to his town and his country, he retired in 1998.
Hank was a member of the American Legion Post 259 in Tewksbury, The Somerville V.F.W. Post 529, the Tewksbury D.A.V. Post 110, the US Bunting and Cricket Club of Lowell, and was a former member of the Tewksbury Wilmington Elks Lodge 2070. He was also a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America.
He was a longtime communicant of St. William of York Church in Tewksbury and also volunteered at St. William’s religious education department for over 20 years. He was also an active member of the Men’s Group at the Tewksbury Senior Center. Hank loved to walk and was a voracious reader. His time spent with his family, including his great great grandchildren was something that meant the world to him.
At his core, Hank was a devoted patriot who proudly served our nation. His unwavering dedication to duty and his country exemplified the very essence of selflessness. Throughout his long and honorable service, he leaves behind a legacy of bravery and commitment that will forever inspire gratitude and respect.
He is survived by two daughters, Alice Keith and her partner, Carol Poitras of Sturbridge, and Dorothy McDermott and her husband Michael of Tewksbury, six grandchildren, John and his wife Regina Galea of Somerville, Roger and his wife Julie Brien of Louisiana, Christine Fleury, Theresa McDermott, of Lowell, and Eric McDermott and his wife Denise of Rindge N.H., Michael McDermott and his wife Breanna of Tewksbury;five great grandchildren, Alice, Shaunna, L.J., Mallory and Trent; a sister, Gail Meade of FL; many nieces and nephews; and was predeceased by his siblings, Robert Benson, Clarence Benson, Dorothy Eaton and Franklin Benson.
All are welcome to attend his visitation on Sunday August 27 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876. You are also invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Monday, August 28 at 10 a.m. at St. William of York Church, 1351 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA. A procession will follow for his burial with full military honors at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. With gratitude, the family encourages memorials in his name to SmileTrain, a charity that Henry supported since its inception in 1999. Visit www.smiletrain.org. Please visit use this website or find us on Facebook to send the family your condolences.