Bernard J. Bensen

Bernard James Bensen of Binghamton, 81, was born on December 7, 1933 in Binghamton, NY, passed away August 13, 2015. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Margaret Bensen and brothers, Donald and Norman Bensen. He is survived by his wife, Sigrid; son, Brian; daughter, Kristin; brother and sister-in-law, Lyle and Karen Bensen; daughter-in-law, Barbara Bensen; son-n-law, Kevin Hause; sisters-in-law, Christine Paul, Sue Bensen and Marybeth Bensen; grandchildren, Richard (Simona) and Luca Bensen, Olivia LaDue, Zoe and Mia Hause and 10 nieces and nephews. He graduated from Binghamton North High. He graduated from Broome Tech where he was an outstanding Basketball player. His thin 6' 2" frame earned him the nickname "Bones" which stuck the rest of his life. His proudest accomplishment was to score 63 points in one game - a record which still stands to this day. His friends around Binghamton knew when he was in the area because of his "Bones 63" license plate. He received a scholarship to play basketball at Hartwick College where he graduated with a B.S. in Business Education. He later graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a M.S. in Guidance. He started his teaching career in Otego Central School where he formed many lifelong friendships among teachers and students. After he earned his Master's degree he came to Chenango Forks Central School in 1965 where he worked as a Guidance Counselor until his retirement. It was well known that he kept a supply of Hershey Kisses in his desk drawer for a student who needed a little cheering up. He played on the faculty basketball team for many years. His back yard was the scene of the famous, unforgettable end-of-the-school-year parties which included playing cards in the "chicken coop". The rule there was- the last one out the door turn off the lights. He remained a loyal Broome Tech Alumni and he served on the alumni board of directors for two terms. He also served briefly on the foundation board. A Funeral will be held on Monday, August 17, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango St. Port Dickinson, NY 13901. Burial will be in the Vestal Hills Memorial Park immediately following. Family and friends are invited to the funeral home on Monday from 1:00 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute to the SUNY Broome Foundation, Inc. In Memory of Bernard James Bensen, P.O. Box 1017, Binghamton, NY 13902-1017.