Richard H. Benjamin

Age 73, of Elmira, passed away January 1, 2006 at St. Joseph?s Hospital. He was born April 8, 1932 in Corning, NY the son of the late Albert C. and Ruth (Little) Benjamin.Richard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Phyllis Ludwig Benjamin; daughter, Sheila (Hal) Gillette of Pine City, NY; sons, Michael R. Benjamin of Southport, NY, Timothy J. (Donna) Benjamin of Pine City, NY; grandchildren, Shawn, Cory, Damond, Shannon, Amber, Christopher, Alyssa, and Justin; great grandchildren, Julian, Rhyanne, Ian; sister, Beverly J. (David) Lewis of VanEtten, NY; several nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by a sister, Joyce Wilson.Richard was a veteran of the US Army, and a mail handler for the Elmira Post Office, retiring in 1988.He loved Seneca Lake, especially the cottage at Peach Orchard Point.He was an avid fisherman and loved building R/C boats. He enjoyed watching tennis and basketball on TV.Richard loved his grandchildren, dogs and his lunches out at Maple Lawn with Phyllis. Family and friends are invited to call at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 from 6 to 9 PM, with funeral and committal there on Thursday at 10:00 AM.Father Edward Golden will officiate. Intermentwill be in Elmwood Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 120 Wall St., New York City, NY 10005.Those wishing may leave a ?Candle of Remembrance? for the family in Obituaries at www.olthof.com .