City Councilman, Teacher Rick Benton Dies at Age 68

Richard Dana "Rick" Benton, 68, of 29 Charlotte Ave. Bradford, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the Hamot Medical Center, after a brief illness.

Born December 7, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of the late Oscar Freeman and Virginia (Dana) Benton.

Mr. Benton was a 1961 graduate of Bradford High School and a 1965 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B. S. in Social Studies education. He also received a Masters of Arts in History from IUP and a Curriculum Specialist/Supervisor Certificate from St. Bonaventure. Mr. Benton was employed by the Bradford Area Schools as a teacher and Dept. Head for over 37 years. After retirement he was employed as a Director of Community Affairs for Dallas-Morris Drilling Company, Inc. and as a member of Bradford City Council. He was active in many community organizations as an officer and/or Board Member and gave numerous programs on many topics including Bradford City Street names. He was a member and officer of the First Presbyterian Church of Bradford.

He is survived by a sister, Suzanne Benton (the late Jay) Bernardini of Conneaut OH, one nephew, John Brian (Beth) Bernardini of Concord Township, Ohio, one niece, Elizabeth (Edward) Prince of Lithonia, Georgia, one aunt, Betty Whitney of Bradford and many cousins. He was preceded in death by two uncles, Irvin Dana, and Robert Benton, three aunts Grace Dana Weaver, Garnet Dana Theodore and Hazel Benton Pascarella.

At Mr. Benton's request there will be no public visitation, funeral or memorial service. Private burial was in Willowdale Cemetery. Family will be receiving friends on June 23, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.

Memorials may be made to Evergreen Elm, Inc. 71 Main St., Suite 303, Bradford, Pa. 16701.

On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

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