Benjamin W. King

BENJAMIN WILLIAM KING, of Bethesda, Maryland, passed away peacefully in his home on January 16, 2013 after a long illness. Beloved husband of Sue Cantor for 51 years; cherished father of Andrea King, Donna King, and Fred King (Heidi); adored grandfather ("Bop") of Jonah and Max; fond brother of Martin L. King, brother-in-law of Neil Cantor; a devoted uncle to many nieces and nephews; and a wonderful friend to many.

The son of the late Esther and Louis King, he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1952, and attended American University.

A warm, outgoing man of humor and heart, he was always there to lend an ear, a shoulder, or his "This Too Will Pass" ring. For nearly two decades, he dressed as Santa delivering gifts, hugs, and hope to local sick, underprivileged children.

In 1961, he and his brother founded Decorator Cleaning Services. In 1972, he joined his wife at Gaylord's Lamps and Shades, moving the store from DC to Bethesda.

Active for decades in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Montgomery County business communities, he served as president of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, vice-chair and treasurer of the Bethesda Urban Partnership, and was active in many other civic and charitable organizations, from whom he received many honorary awards.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 20, at 1:30 p.m. at Danzanzsky-Goldberg, 1170 Rockville Pike, Rockville. Interment at King David Memorial Gardens, 7482 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, VA. The family will be observing Shiva at their home until Tuesday evening. Memorial contributions may be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), 800 W 6th Street, Suite 450, Los Angeles, CA 90017.