John R. Benson

John R. Benson, 82, of Watertown, CT, formerly of Southbury, CT, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, after a brave battle with cancer; surrounded by his loving family. John was born on Jan. 2, 1944, in Waterbury, CT, the son of the late Herbert O. and Elizabeth (Booth) Benson.

Those who knew him would agree he was a hard-working man, rooted from his childhood growing up on a farm, who dedicated 35 years of his life as a Wastewater Manager at The Southbury Training School. Later, he worked for H. L. Bennett Jr., Inc., where he met Patricia MacDougall. Before her passing on June 18, 2025, they shared 21 wonderful years of companionship, living in the in-law apartment attached to his daughter Aimee’s home.

John and Patricia enjoyed many travels to Europe together, he was especially fond of their visits to Ireland, where Patricia had relatives, and their trips to the lavender fields in Southern France. In addition to traveling, his favorite pastime was watching, identifying, and listening to birds. John always made sure the birds who visited their deck were well fed and taken care of. He was an avid reader, preferring history books and especially books on UFO’s, which he enjoyed sharing with his grandchildren.

John was a true woodsman who found great accomplishment in cutting and splitting wood, for himself and his loved ones, and in his younger years with his trusty companion Max by his side. He was a devoted NASCAR fan who never missed a weekend race. Most of all, he was a jokester who could light up any room, including his many doctors’ visits, with one of his favorite well-known jokes. There was nothing he enjoyed more than making others smile and laugh. Alongside his humor, John’s generosity, kindness, and selflessness left lasting impressions on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Family meant everything to John, his greatest happiness was found in time spent with his grandchildren at the countless gatherings they shared. The memories they created, and the moments captured in photographs, will forever remain in our hearts. When he needed his family most, we stood by his side, lovingly guiding him on his journey, freeing him from the pain and suffering cancer brought so that his spirit could live on.

He is survived by his former wife, of 32 years, and steadfast friend, Sue O’Donnell of Southbury, CT., their children, whom he loved deeply and for whom he bravely fought to spend as much time with as possible: daughter Dorie LaFlamme (Michael Trudeau) of Woodbury, CT, daughter Aimee Guerrera (Rick Guerrera) of Watertown, CT, son Randy Benson of Southbury, CT, and grandchildren Joshua, Zachary, Matthew, Morgan, Adrianna (Austin), Sophia, Julian, Jack, Allen, and Eli. He is also survived by his sister Sylvia (Benson) Socci and her husband Tony Socci, brother-in-law Charles Klein, sister-in-law Diane Wilson, many nieces and nephews, and Patricia’s daughter Kate MacDougall and her daughters Amanda and Allison.

John is predeceased by 4 of his siblings, Lois Dunlap, Myron Benson, Brenda Klein, and Jean Clark.

Burial and Memorial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to The Audubon Society.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence for John’s family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com