Albert Benker, 92, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, August 27, 2022.
Al was born May 8, 1930. His parents, Phil and Florence (Meyer) Benker lived in Buffalo NY. Al and his younger brother Donald spent summers at their grandmother’s (Henrietta Meyer) farm in Corfu, NY. He would later recount many cherished memories there. As a boy, Al fell in love with the girl next door, Mary Evelt. They would eventually marry and raise four children. He studied Interior Design but was drafted and served in the Army from 1951 to 1952. While stationed in Okinawa Japan, Al bluffed his way into a welding detail, where he was to learn his life’s trade. He became an expert welder. After returning home, he worked at Calspan Corporation (where he was involved in the Astro Spiral car, later made famous in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun). Al also worked at the Linde division of the Union Carbide Corporation. While there, he worked on many specialized projects, including some for NASA. Al loved his job and was proud to become a welding instructor. He later taught welding at Niagara University and Erie Community College. While working, Al somehow found the time to build a split-level house for his family in Clarence NY (a suburb of Buffalo). He did almost all the work himself.
Upon retiring, Al and Mary said goodbye to snow and moved to Bradenton, FL. He had many interests. He loved music (with taste ranging from Sinatra, Emmylou Harris, Al Martino and Andrea Bocelli) and occasionally played guitar. He loved classic cars (a passion he gave to his son) and he was crazy about animals. He always surrounded himself with cats and dogs. Most afternoons Al could be found sitting outside, coaxing timid squirrels to take peanuts from his hand. Al was a devoted husband. When his beloved wife, Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he was at the nursing home daily – feeding her and keeping her company.
Al was preceded in death by his wife, Mary. He is survived by his four children, Karen, Susan, Alison and Chris, as well as his grandson, Julian. He is already very greatly missed. There will be no local Services at this time. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
