Robert H. Benton

Robert H. Benton, Jr., 79, of Sherburne, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at St. Luke's Hospital, in New Hartford, NY. He grew up in Barker, NY, and was affectionately called BJ or Bob by his friends and family.

Bob was born June 25, 1942, to Robert and Eos “Pat” (Wells) Benton, in Lockport, NY. He attended Barker High School and graduated in 1960. Bob attended Albany State University before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1963. Robert served during the Vietnam conflict until his honorable discharge in 1966. Upon his return from service, Bob attended SUNY Oneonta graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in1969.

Robert began his career in education teaching in the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District, before beginning a career in law enforcement. He worked with the local police and the Sheriff’s Department, and also for the New York State Prosecutors office in Albany, specializing in forensics, and handwriting analysis. He retired from education after15-years at DCMO BOCES where he taught security and law enforcement classes.

Bob loved camping with friends, canoeing, and celebrating his Scottish heritage. He was a long-time volunteer for Colorscape Chenango, and Roger’s Environmental Education Center. He was an amateur radio operator, and kept his friends and neighbors supplied with homemade computers and walkie-talkies. Robert was a member of the VFW Post 2782 in Norwich, and a Mason in the Masonic Lodge in Hamilton.

Robert is survived by his son, Robert H. (Stacy) Benton III, of Ambridge, PA; grandchildren Nicholas Benton, Tracy Burrell (Frank), Jerry Edwards, and Christy Brutcher (Ray); and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings, Roger Benton and Roxanne Hykes.

To honor the family’s wishes, there will be no formal services at this time. Charitable donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Roger’s Environmental Education Center, 2715 State Route 80, Sherburne NY 13460.