HOPE – George Donald Benson, 83, died on Friday, August 17, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Frankfort, Maine, on April 9, 1935 to Donald L. and Margaret Ann (Thompson) Benson.  He attended Crosby High School and enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in the Korean War.

After returning from the war he traveled some and studied various subjects including drafting, lighting and Oil Burners where he eventually worked his way to becoming one of Maine’s first Master Oil Burner Technicians.

In his travels he worked at various jobs including Wilsons Diner in Waltham, Mass., where he met the love of his life, Marion Olive Griffin, of Appleton, Maine. They were married in Malden, Mass., on April 13, 1956 and eventually settled on Simonton’s Corner in Rockport, Maine, where they raised their children and lived most of their lives until retiring to Hope, Maine, in 1997.

George was a loving father who prided himself on providing for his family.  Over the years he worked at many occupations, which include special officer for the Rockport Police Department, auctioneer, taxi driver, chef at the Knox Hotel & The Helm Restaurant, and proprietor of various businesses including Marion’s Take-Out and Benson’s 24-Hour Oil Burner Service, both in Rockport.

George was a longtime member of the Chestnut Street Baptist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees and for many years was known to cook the Easter Breakfast.  He was a caring man who would always step up to serve others including representing Chestnut Street Baptist Church as a member of the Board of the Camden Area Christian Food Pantry where he served from its beginning until he retired this past year.

An important part of George’s life was his commitment to the Masons.  With over 40 years as a mason, George was a Master Mason and founding member of the Rockport Masonic Center where he helped the community and touched many lives.

George was predeceased by his wife, Marion, and their son, Roland “Ricky” Benson.

Surviving are his children who live in Maine (unless otherwise noted) including Kerry Collins (Julie) of Warren; Deborah Samuel (Sundar) of East Greenbush, New York; Daniel Benson (Gloria) of Rockland; Donald Benson (Kelly) of Lincolnville; Jody Benson of Marysville, Washington; Connie Overlock (Patrick) of Hope; Patrick Benson (Andrea) of Camden; George Benson II (Jodell) of Rockport; 18 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren and many other loved ones.

A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Masonic Lodge, 361 Main St., Rockport on September 13 at 5pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Chestnut Street Baptist Church, 29 Chestnut Street, Camden on September 14 at 11 a.m. A private interment will be held at Hope Grove Cemetery in Hope, Maine.

If desired memorial gifts may be made to The Autism Society of America https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/sams-superstars/15th-Annual-Hero-Walk-for-Autism or a local food bank. Condolences may be shared with the family at longfuneralhomecamden.com.  Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Camden.