Edward Benson

Edward Benson, 96, of Greensboro, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, July 23, 2021. He was the third child of Fannie and Benjamin Benson, a first generation American born to immigrants from Czarist Russia. He was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, graduated high school at age sixteen and attended CCNY until he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. In September 1943, he boarded a train to Greensboro, NC for basic training. On the platform in Greensboro, the Army Sergeant asked Private Benson what he was laughing about, and Edward replied, “I can’t understand a word you’re saying”. During his time in Greensboro, he was welcomed at Temple Emanuel on Greene Street, where Min Klein (of blessed memory) served as USO liaison. He never imagined that he would be a Greensboro resident and President of Temple Emanuel fifty years later.

Edward graduated from flight school and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant Navigator. He flew a plane before he had a driver’s license. Following his honorable discharge, Edward enrolled at Alfred University in NY, and graduated with a degree in ceramic engineering. He cherished his time at Alfred and spoke of it often throughout his life. While working for the Port Authority of NY, Edward received a Masters of Industrial Engineering and Management from Columbia University, and went to work for General Motors. In 1954, Edward married Marilyn Berkelhammer (of blessed memory) and they lived in Bristol, CT, where children Howard and Stephanie were born.

In 1958, Edward joined the Berkelhammer family business, United Brass Works, as the Staff Engineer. Many of the Berkelhammer family, including Marilyn and Edward, moved to Greensboro, NC when the manufacturing headquarters was established in Randleman, NC. Children Paul and Benjamin were born soon afterward. The family joined the Jewish community as members of Beth David Synagogue and became members of Temple Emanuel in 1968. Edward served multiple terms on the Board of Trustees at Temple Emanuel, including a term as President from 1992 to 1994.

Edward worked at United Brass until he was almost 95 years old – he only stopped due to COVID-19 restrictions. He served in many roles including President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. He was proud of the company’s success. He prized his time at United Brass and the entire UBW community.

Edward had a zest for life, and derived great joy from his friends, interests, and activities. He particularly enjoyed his racquetball group and the staff at Sportime/The Club, his 60-years-running weekly gin rummy game, the Temple Emanuel Gourmet Club and a wide collection of stalwart friends who enriched his life. He was an avid reader, and a regular visitor at the Greensboro Public Library where he counted the staff as friends. He loved music, movies, the arts, college basketball, everything red, especially roses, travel, and especially travel for family celebrations.

Edward took delight and pride in his children; Howard (Kim), Stephanie (Robert Savino), Paul (Heather Davis) and, Benjamin (Tiz). His adoration for his grandchildren Rachel Soucheck (Jon), Rebekah Lindholm (Michael), Evan, Joel, Natalie, and Zack Benson, and Jared and Ethan Savino was evident always, as was his love for his great-grandchildren Summer Soucheck and Julian Lindholm. He loved and is survived by his sisters-in-law Ellen Berlin and Mary Berkelhammer, and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. As his great-nephew Douglas said, “May Uncle Eddie’s life and passing be a reminder of the importance of family and the ability each of us has to impact the people and world aroundus every day.”

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, 11:00 am at Temple Emanuel with burial to follow at the Greensboro Hebrew Cemetery. The family requests those that attend that are not vaccinated to please wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Temple Emanuel in Greensboro or Temple Beth El in Charlotte, Greensboro Public Library, or to the charity of your choice.