Obituary of Thomas B. Benton

Halfmoon, NY. Thomas B. "Tom" Benton, age 75, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Born in Ithaca, NY, he was the son of the late Ralph D. and Marie (Schlotzhauer) Benton. Tom is survived by Lorraine, his loving wife of 49 years, and two sons, Christopher K. (Michelle) Benton and Drew Benton and two grandsons, Robert and Jonathan. He is also survived by one sister, Judith (Howard) MacLachlan and one sister-in-law, Lynda Benton, and a sister-in-law Delores (Michael) Koch. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was a reservist until he retired as Chief Operations Officer in 2001. He graduated from Syracuse University, where he met Lorraine, in 1975. He worked for the NYS Department of Civil Service from 1976 to 2010, retiring as chief personnel examiner. During this time, he raised two sons, which was the most gratifying job of his life, along with visiting with his grandsons later on. He maintained close ties with his extended family. After retirement, he and Lorraine traveled extensively in the U.S., Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Tom was a theater buff, and he and Lorraine attended many plays in New York City and the Capital Region. He continued friendships with his Civil Service co-workers and played rounds of golf and attended many cultural events with them. He was a loyal fan of the hapless New York Giants and the Chicago White Sox. For all their activities, Tom and Lorraine liked nothing more than quiet evenings at home with each other. Tom and Lorraine were best friends, soul mates. Tom was predeceased by one brother, Bradley Benton. Calling hours will be held at the Catricala Funeral Home at 1597 Rt. 9, Clifton Park, NY, on Tuesday, July 9,2024, from 10am-12pm with a funeral service at 12:00pm. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Parkinson's Foundation. Family and friends are invited to share on-line memories and condolences at www.CatricalaFuneralHome.com