E. Peter Benzing

Peter was born in Hamburg, Germany to Ernst and Pauline Benzing on November 7, 1928. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Marburg in 1956 with a Ph.D. in chemistry. During a post doctorate at Harvard, Peter met Lizzi Nielsen and they married in Brooklyn, New York in 1957. He was an industrial chemist for Monsanto in St. Louis and a vice president for health, environment, and safety at Bayer in Pittsburgh until his retirement in 1989. He was also an emeritus member of the American Chemical Society and actively involved in chemical education and training programs.

Peter enjoyed hiking and traveling the American West with his young family. Later, he and Lizzi traveled in Costa Rica, Alaska, Kenya, Mexico and the Galapagos Islands. They regularly returned to Europe to visit their home countries of Germany and Denmark. He had a lifelong interest in flight and, as a glider pilot, earned his silver badge from the Soaring Society of America. Peter will be remembered for his service to the Pennsylvania Board of Education, his establishment of a chemical laboratory technician training program at Manchester Bidwell Corporation in Pittsburgh, and his contributions to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and many other charitable organizations.

Peter is preceded in death by his wife, Lizzi, and his sister, Eva Wallbillich.

He is survived by his sons, Thomas Benzing (Janet) of Waynesboro, Virginia, and Paul Benzing (Pam) of Delmar, New York and three grandchildren, Jenna, Casey, and Eleanor.

The family of Peter Benzing wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his private caregivers and hospice staff in both Virginia and North Carolina.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes. 540.949.8383