C. Edwin Benson 1931-2024

Ed was born July 10, 1931, in Meadville, Pa., the son of Carl and Anna Benson.

Ed graduated from Meadville High School in 1949, lettered in three sports and was a member of The National Honor Society. He then pursued his higher education at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., where he was a pitcher for the baseball team for all four years.

In 1950, Ed tried out for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was offered a contract to play professional baseball, but instead, he elected to finish college, graduating in 1953 with a B.A. in economics. Four days after graduating from Allegheny College, Ed married the love of his life, Marilyn Brown Benson, his partner of 71 years, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

Ed served two years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in San Antonio, Texas, where he continued playing organized baseball and softball.

Ed worked for General Fireproofing Company for 42 years in pricing and sales administration, retiring in 1996. He was a member of GF’s softball team that won the Mahoning County championship in 1956.

Ed was the past president of the Poland Swim Club. He spent many years as a volunteer for Dick Bennett’s “Old Timers Crew” at Camp Fitch on Lake Erie. He enjoyed following all sports, particularly Poland High School, Ohio State Football, the Cleveland Browns and the Indians. He loved playing tennis and golf. One of his fond memories was when he had a hole-in-one at Hubbard Golf Course. Having this love of sports, he passed it on to his boys by introducing them to baseball, softball, football, golf, tennis and swimming. His boys share his love of sports, and like their Dad, all became great athletes.

Ed will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have known him.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Brown Benson, and son, Lars Edwin Benson.

He is survived by his sons, Dr. Gregory John Benson (Jessica) of Medina and Tod Victor Benson (Kelly) of Tallmadge; sister, Shirley Benson Bianchi (Victor) of Naples, Florida; and grandchildren, Bradley Lars Benson, Jamie Elizabeth Benson, Jake Donald Benson and Ella Elizabeth Benson.

The family has honored his wishes not to have calling hours or memorial services. He will be laid to rest in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel. Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the family.

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