George Kenneth Benell, 94, formerly of Dumont, NJ, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Born in Carlstadt, NJ on October 18, 1928 to George and Anna Benell. He was the second of four children. He grew up in southern Bergen County, eventually graduating from Dumont High School in 1948. He moved to Hawley, PA in 1996, to enjoy retirement.
George was proud to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He worked for a number of years as a police officer for the Dumont Police Department shortly after he returned home from Japan, where he was stationed during his service. George worked the majority of his life as a draftsman at Gelber Engineering in Hackensack, NJ. He enjoyed coaching St. Mary’s CYO Basketball and Dumont Little League. George was also a member of the St. Mary’s Choir, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic War Veterans (St. Mary’s Post). George loved baseball and was a talented player himself, he especially rooted for the New York Yankees. George loved music and dancing, known in his family as the last man standing on any dance floor at a wedding, with very few able to keep up with him. He loved to laugh and will be remembered for his kindness and generosity of spirit. Most of all George loved to be around his family and treasured any moments he got to spend with his beloved children and grandchildren. Few people who crossed his path will forget the warmth he carried with him everywhere.
George is predeceased by his wife Elizabeth (2017). They met on a blind date at Yankee Stadium in June of 1953 and lived happily ever after for nearly 65 years. George is survived by his five children, 10 grandchildren, 2 great-granddaughters and many nieces and nephews. Beloved father of Debra Caspare and husband Martin, Diane Cardone, Kenneth Benell and wife Sharon, Kerry O’Connor and husband Brendan, Scott Benell and wife Nancy. Loving grandfather of Kerry Anne and Kaitlyn Caspare, Christopher Minaya, Thomas O’Connor and his wife Carlee, Zachary O’Connor, Kenny Benell, Erin Costantino and her husband Kevin, Evan and Ethan Benell. Loving great-grandfather to Vivian O’Connor and Evelyn Costantino. He is predeceased by his grandson Ryan Caspare (1994), his brothers Kenneth and Robert and his sister Ruth. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Brendan and Jane Fitzpatrick and many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 12:00 Noon, St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Dumont. Interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah. A celebration of George’s life will take place on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, beginning at 9:30 AM for family, 10:00 AM for all and concluding at 11:30 AM at the Frech-McKnight Funeral Home.