Gregory R. Benoff

It is with full hearts that we announce the passing of Gregory Robert Benoff, a man whose life unfurled across cities, coastlines, continents, and classrooms. He left us on November 4th, closing a rich and vividly lived chapter defined by curiosity, charisma, and a boundless love for people and possibility.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gregory was the treasured son of George and Ruth Benoff and the devoted older brother to his sister, June. His family later settled in Ronkonkoma, where he formed lifelong friendships and proudly graduated from Sachem High School, an identity he carried with enduring pride. He later attended Dowling College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree in education.

He leaves behind his beloved daughter, Brooke Benoff, the pride and joy of his life, and his son-in-law, Patrick McCoy. He is also survived by his beloved nephew, Gregg Barreiro, and his wife, Melanie; his adored niece, Laura Bolsover, and her husband, Bill; his great-nephew Gregg, great-niece Alexis, and great-niece Danielle; and his discovered sibling, Elizabeth Cohan.

A United States Navy Veteran, Gregory served honorably during the Vietnam War, deepening his resilience and widening his perspective on the world he cherished. Upon returning home, he continued serving others as a Suffolk County Police Officer, including a defining assignment in the storied Pines of Fire Island. There, he became part of local lore, equal parts steady guardian, devil-may-care character, and unmistakable presence. Whether he introduced himself as Gregory, Gregorio, Gregg, Taz, or Hulio, he was known for his warmth, quick wit, and natural ability to connect with anyone he met.

Gregory later brought his energy and creativity into the New York City Public School System, where he became affectionately known as “Mr. B.” His students remember him as an educator who made the world feel bigger and learning feel infused with humor, heart, and an unmistakable sense of wonder.

In true Gregorio fashion, he spent years authoring a book-in-progress. The legendary, elusive, and endlessly discussed The Seduction of the Night Sheriff. Whether it would ever be completed mattered far less than the joy he took in describing its plot twists, its mystery, and its unmistakable swagger. It became part myth, part saga, and entirely emblematic of his storytelling spirit. Alongside this creative endeavor, Gregory also operated his own private security business, an enterprise he approached with his trademark blend of street-smarts, intuition, and charm. It was yet another chapter in a life composed of many, each one as colorful and unpredictable as the man himself.

A man of immense wanderlust, Gregory traveled the world with curiosity, joy, and an eagerness to collect stories. He was the ultimate collector of experiences, friendships, art, curiosities, and memories that stitched together a life of brilliant color. He formed close ties with the Navy expat community in the Philippines, traveling there often and even befriending the U.S. Ambassador. After the Banda Aceh tsunami, he helped organize a disaster-relief mission over spring break, determined to offer whatever support he could.