Philip Joseph Benbrook was born to Charles H. Benbrook and Ann E. Gouse-Benbrook on March 19, 1936 in Plainfield, NJ. He attended March Elementary School-Easton, PA [1943-49]; Port Dickenson Junior High-Binghamton, NY [1949-1951]; Binghamton HS [1951-53]; Lakemont Academy HS-Lakemont-on-Seneca, NY [1953-55]; Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA, majoring in English [1955-59] and Rivier College, Nashua, NH where he studied Library Science. Prior to entering religious life, Philip served in the Army, Corps of Engineers [Specialist 4] and discharged in October 1962. He also served as a HS substitute teacher in both Nashua & Hollis NH [1964-65]. Philip was invested as a Capuchin Franciscan friar at St. Pius X Friary, Middletown, CT on March 18, 1966. He would then be known as Br. Luke. For nearly 54 years Br. Luke would gently, prayerfully and quietly serve the friars in several unassuming yet important ministries including librarian, tailor, cook, and porter in many of the Capuchin fraternities. Br. Luke also enjoyed life as an avid reader, talented pianist, welcoming companion and enthusiastic movie-goer. Brother was first stationed in St. Anthony Friary, Hudson, NH [1967-70 and 1971-78] serving the friars as librarian, tailor, launderer and porter. He pronounced his perpetual vows at St. Anthony Friary into the hands of Fr. Dacian Dee, provincial minister on September 3, 1972. He briefly resided at St. Francis Friary, Providence, RI [1971] and Mary Immaculate Friary, Garrison, NY [1978-80] where he would continue to serve as cook, launderer, librarian and porter.
For the next 33 years, Br. Luke resided with the friar community of St. John the Baptist, 210 W. 31st St. New York City, NY, where he continued to serve the friars and the People of God in new but humble ways including sacristan, sexton, housekeeper and receptionist. He would also assist the Capuchin Mission and Development Office by collected and depositing mail. Due to failing health, Br. Luke was transferred to St. Clare Friary, our senior friar fraternity on September 1, 2013 where he remained until his death. Br. Luke was lovingly supported by his brother Michael and his wife Muriel, many dedicated aides who served him during his on-going illness and his senior friar friends of St. Clare friary. Viewing will be held at St. Clare Friary, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY on Friday, January 24, 2020. Hours: 2:00 -4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Yonkers, NY on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
Whalen & Ball Funeral Home
168 Park Ave.
Yonkers, N.Y. 10703
(914)965-5488
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