Benton, Richard A., Age: 79, Spring Lake

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Richard A. Benton, 79, of Berkeley Heights and Spring Lake, passed away in Overlook Hospital, Summit on Saturday, July 2. A Memorial Ser vice will be conducted at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, 907 4th Avenue, Spring Lake, on Monday, July 11 at 11 a.m.

Richard was born to Albert and Edythe Benton on December 21, 1936 and spent his youth in Haddonfield. As a child he displayed musical talents in both voice and piano. He played in the National Guard Marching Band for six years. Richard married Valerie Torquati in 2004 and together they travelled visiting all continents culminating with a trip to Antartica in January of 2016. He enjoyed vacation time at the Jersey Shore and sang in several church choirs. He was a member of the Old Guard of Summit.

His first wife, Carole Welsh and his brother, Thomas, predeceased him. Richard is survived by his wife, Valerie; his two daughters, Christina Filan (Dan) and Jennifer Schubinger (Tony); his nine grandchildren; his stepdaughter, Carolyn Beecher (Keith); and one stepgranddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations in Richard’s memory to the Beta Mu Chapter TKE at Bucknell University for The Ronald Reagan Run at act.alz.org/goto/ReaganRun.