Franklin L Bensinger

Frank was born in Wilmington, Delaware to Mary Ann Mancari Bensinger and Lawrence Patrick Bensinger on March 13, 1942. He grew up and attended public schools in Wilmington. To family and school friends he was known as “Buddy” or “Benny.” He married Molly Bensinger-Lacy, on October 13, 1984, in Arlington, Virginia. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Delaware.

Although Frank had several jobs including working as a lab technician in Dupont facilities and owning/managing a sub shop in Delaware, he considered his true profession to be that of educator. He taught 5th and 6th graders in Newark School District and in New Castle County School District in Delaware; and in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) in Virginia. He later held roles as a math resource teacher and as a consulting teacher in FCPS. He quickly rose to be a school administrator—first as assistant principal of Great Falls Elementary and finally as Principal of Forest Edge Elementary in Reston, Virginia. After serving as principal of Forest Edge for 21 years, he retired in 2011.

“Mr. B,” as he was known at school, always put students and families first, insisting on equitable opportunities for all children regardless of background or life circumstances. His life motto was “Make a Difference,” which guided all his actions and decisions throughout his professional career.

Frank was a supportive member of the Braddock District Democratic Committee and the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.

Frank’s most treasured honors were the Martin Luther King, Jr. Foundation 2006 Outstanding Educator award and the prestigious Best of Reston award given by Reston Interfaith and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, in 2007.

Frank is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Bensinger and his father, Lawrence Bensinger.

Frank is survived by his wife, Molly Bensinger-Lacy; three sons—Michael, Steven and James Bensinger; daughter-in-law Laura Bensinger-Lacy; three sisters—Patricia Pierce, Tina Knauer and Joyce Bensinger; four grandchildren—Jason, Zack, Andrew and Jenna Bensinger and a large extended family.

Frank’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to the entire staff of the Trauma ICU at Inova Fairfax Hospital and to Dr. Taeho Kim and Dr. Sekwon Jang, both of whom provided warmly personalized and highly effective care during Frank’s health challenges.

Funeral services in Virginia will be private.