Marlborough – Harold E. “Pop” Benway Sr., 95, a lifelong resident of Marlborough, passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness Monday, May 14, 2012, surrounded by his family and with his wife of 70 years Deta Benway, by his side.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his son, Harold E. Benway Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Marlborough; his daughter, Sheila L. Phillipo and her husband, James J. Phillipo Jr., of Marlborough; six grandchildren, James J. Phillipo, III, Jay Benway, Matthew Phillipo, Daniel Benway, Jennifer Cotter and Farrah Phillipo; 13 great-grandchildren – soon to be 14; and several nieces and nephews, including his devoted niece, Vickie Killeen. He was the son of the late Edmund and Olivine Benway.
Following his retirement from Ideal Roller in 1987, Harold embarked on a second career helping his son launch a successful local business, Plaza Liquors, where he enjoyed helping customers into his early nineties.
Harold was an avid golfer and fisherman, loved tinkering at his workbench, playing cribbage and bowling, tending to his roses and maintaining his pool that was the center of family gatherings for decades. He was a dedicated Red Sox Fan and in retirement he enjoyed painting and frequent trips to Foxwoods, as recently as three weeks ago.
He never lost his zest for life and reveled in learning new things. He will be remembered through the endless stories he shared with his family, from tales of his youth during prohibition and growing up “down at the swamp,” to the memories made during the many gatherings at his home where the door was always open.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, May 17, from 12 to 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. at the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street in Marlborough.
Donations may be made to UMass Memorial Hospice, 650 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605.
