Eric John Benjamin

As Eric used to say, he was “born at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in the penthouse and worked his way down to the basement (radiology).” He was the son of Richard and Dawn (Russell) Benjamin.

Eric graduated from Oneonta High School the class of 1981. Following high school, Eric graduated in 1986 from SUNY Oneonta with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then continued his studies and received an Associate in Applied Science Radiological Technology from Broome Community College in 1999. In August 1999 he became a Licensed Radiological Technician.

On June 20, 1999, Eric married Margaret “Peggy” Walters in Oneonta.

He was a hard worker, sometimes having up to three jobs at a time. He worked at Friendly’s through college and for some years afterwards. He was a teller at Key Bank in Oneonta, then in the Hartwick Branch, eventually moving into a managerial position. Beginning in 1999 he worked as a radiologist at A.O. Fox, continually updating his skills, and endearing himself to co-workers and patients alike for the past 15 years.

Eric was an avid outdoorsman. It could be difficult to find him and Peggy at home as they were so frequently off camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, or cross country skiing, often in the Adirondacks. Sometimes Eric would do something more unusual, like attend a polkapalooza, though it is unclear whether Eric actually knew how to polka, or just liked watching with that big smile on his face. He also loved tennis, a good board game or a good game of cards. He was a lifelong Jets and Yankees fan, despite the shortcomings of the former. He was a great animal lover, always happiest with big floppy dogs around him and on him. And the infamous Christmas cards! Who could forget Eric in a red union suit fending off any poachers who might be after his moonshine? But most of all, Eric loved spending time with his family and friends. He was gentle, patient, kind, loving, and funny. He was a terrific father and a wonderful husband. He was a people person who loved others, and who was extraordinarily beloved by family, friends, and co-workers.

Eric is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Benjamin of Laurens; one son, Alex Benjamin of Oneonta and his mother, Cindy Christman and his grandparents, Charles and Nancy Christman; two step children, Amanda Becker of Otego and William Becker and his fiancé, Ashley Tice of Brandon, FL; two grandchildren, Damien Bennett and Eli Becker; his mother, Dawn Benjamin of Oneonta; three sisters and three brothers, Gail Pearce of Dallas, TX, Rick and Barb Benjamin of NJ, Kay Benjamin and Jean Blackburn of Norwich, Bruce and Alice Benjamin of West Davenport, Carol and Bob Wood, Oneonta and Dave Benjamin and Cathy Runkle of Santa Barbara, CA; his three adoring fur children Nikki, Indy, and Mr. Wendell; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his A.O. Fox Family. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Benjamin and his sister, Janet Beach.

A service to celebrate the life of Eric J. Benjamin will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 at 2:00pm in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta with the Reverend Judith A. Thistle Chaplain at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital officiating. Memorial donations in Eric’s name may be made to either Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, 422 Beacon Hill Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 or to Osto Group https://www.Citigroup.org

To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.