Raymond E. Benck, 68, of Kirkwood. N.Y., passed away Wednesday, September 24, from a brief illness. Ray was born in Grant Park, IL, as the youngest son of Louise and Carl Benck. He is survived by two brothers and their wives, Chester and Lois Benck, Fall River, Wis., and Richard and Mary Benck, Naperville, IL. He met his loving wife of 47 years, Norma Dell (Schuemann) Benck: in Blue Island, IL, while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He will be .dearly. missed by her, as well. as their four children and spouses, Kimberly and Steven Bukowski, Ronelle Benck, Andrea and Bryan Mulligan, and Jeffrey and Nina Benck. Raymond also has six grandchildren, Michael, Timothy, Lindsay, Gabrielle, Enin, and Gracyn, who loved grandpa very much. Raymond retired from Cohu Electronics. Inc., where he worked for much of his career as a regional sales manager.

Raymond was also very active in the community and in his church, as a Kirkwood Youth Coach, Windsor School Board Member, Redeemer Lutheran Church Council member. member of the German Club, member of the Kirkwood Planning Board, and charter member of the Order of the Iron Test  Pattern. Ray also had many friends and colleagues that thought the world of him. and always looked forward to his constant teasing. He was also a favorite uncle of his 17 nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. Dad was always there when we needed him with the right words of encouragement, full of practical advice, a stern look when you were bad, quick with a joke when, you were feeling down, and first to celebrate in our successes. For this we will truly miss him. but we know he will be looking down on us, supporting us and ever present among us.

Ray's family will receive their friends and loved ones at the Ernest H. Parsons Funeral Home, Inc., 71 Main St., Binghamton, on Saturday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. A celebration of his life will immediately follow at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Those wishing may kindly consider memorial contributions in Ray's name to the Pipe Organ Fund of Redeemer Lutheran Church, 72 Main St., Binghamton, N.Y. 13905.