William Howard Benham

William (Bill) was born in Shelton, CT to William and Olga Benham on February 21, 1955. He went to the public schools in Shelton and graduated from Shelton High School where he was involved in football, track and the yearbook committee and went by the nick-name "Hawk." He married Tracy (Newman) on July 29th at their home in Monroe, CT. He attended Louisiana State University and graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in history and received an MBA from the University of Connecticut. He worked as a Data Analyst for many local organizations including Optimus Health Care, Board of Education in Stratford, the NAAED (National Association of Electrical Distributors), GBAAP.org (Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program), and the Private Industry Council. He owned and operated a Fulfillment Center for the NAED for many years as well. He volunteered as a mentor for the Stratford Schools, was a DJ for WMNR in Monroe, coached Little League Baseball and volunteered his services for Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.

William is preceded in death by his parents William and Olga.

Left to honor Bill's memory is his devoted wife Tracy, son Jonathan and his wife Megan, his brother Gerald Benham and his wife Christy, many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, as well as many close cousins, lifelong friends and neighbors. He also treasured his relationships with his brother and sister-in-laws from the Newman family.

Bill will be remembered for his wit, curiosity and kindness. He loved discussing movies, history, politics, music and sports. He was a fan of the Mets, Knicks, and UConn basketball. For many years, he was an avid tennis player and loved any pick-up basketball game. He was proud of his family's history and together with his cousin Fred, he researched and traced his family's genealogy back to the 1640s. In his retirement, he loved his time with his old friends playing poker & pool. He was his musician's son Jonathan's biggest supporter. More than anything, he loved being with his family. There will never be another one like him.

Memorials may be given to the Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley, RCA POPS (Regional Center for the Arts, Parents of Performing Students), Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo or the charity of your choice.

The family of William wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Bridgeport Hospital.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 17th at 1:00 pm at the Grange in Monroe (Harmony Grange No. 92), 103 Hurd Avenue, Monroe, CT. Arrangements are by Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher and Sons.