Obituary of Joseph G. Benes

Joe Benes (61) died on October 24, 2016. For days, his family and friends kept vigil at the hospital, surrounding Joe's family with love and support. Joe was married for 39 3/4 years to Wendy (nee Owen), and they raised three children together. He will be missed by his daughter Diana, sons Joey (Celeste), and Stephen (Leanne). His grandchildren, Drew Benes and Ana Benes (Austin), will always remember their grandpa as "Superman" and will share the stories of his life with Joe's great-¬grandson, A.J. Joe was raised in a large family and will be remembered by his brother Tom (Karen) Benes, sisters Andrea (Andy)Fliegel, Elizabeth (David) Skowronski, Katie (Mike) Griffin, nephews Michael (Kaytee Rose), Josh, Joseph, and nieces Ali, Aileen, Mary, Emily, and Audrey. Joe led an active and interesting life. He served in the U.S Navy, travelled the world, and was honorably discharged in 1979. Joe was a proud member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity, making lifelong friends, and earned his B.S. degree in geography from the University of Akron in 1981. In addition, Joe was a wrestling referee for the Western Reserve Wrestling Association for more than 35 years and served as the President of WRWA for more than 10 years. Several young men will remember him fondly as a vocal and fair official. Joe spent his career in the Art Department at the University of Akron and served as the CWA Union Steward for 2 years. His love of music was a constant presence in his life and was enriched by his membership in the Summit County Songwriter’s Circle. Joe happily celebrated his Polish heritage by participating in the annual Dingus Day parade and the tradition of making homemade pierogies every Christmas. A service to celebrate Joe's life will be held on Saturday, October 29 at 4:00 p.m at the Church in Silver Lake, 2951 Kent Road, Silver Lake, Ohio 44224. The family will greet friends an hour before the service. Following the service, family and friends are invited to continue the remembrance at the Elks Club, 2555 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Summit Metro Park Foundation, 975 Treaty line Road, Akron, Ohio 44313 for a memorial bench on Joe's favorite trail.