Arthur James Benker, 81, of Huntley, died peacefully at his home November 13, 2023 with his family by his side.
Arthur was born March 25,1942 the son of Michael and Frances Benker. On June 1, 1963 he married Anna (Ann) Danno. For 37 years Art worked for the Chicago Fire Department as a watch commander at the 911 call center. Art was larger than life, he always put family first and would have daily phone calls to check on his family and friends. He was a man of strong faith and was blessed to be able to practice his Catholic religion. He loved food, eating it, cooking it, and sharing it with others. Art was a great story and joke teller. He was a loving son, husband, father, Poppy, brother,uncle, cousin, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Ann, his children, Steven Benker, Allison (Vito) Parise, and Kristine Benker (Rick Ebel), by his grandchildren, Vanessa (Devin), Gianna, Mia, and Samantha. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert “Bob”Benker, and Dennis (Flo) Benker and by his sister-in-law, Virginia. Art was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Michael and sister, Gloria.
A visitation will be held on Friday, November 17,2023 from 3-8pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Second visitation will be held on Saturday,November 18, 2023, from 12-1pm at St. Mary Church with a funeral Mass at 1pm- 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. The burial will be at Huntley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation https://bearnecessities.org/ or Chicago 100 Club www.100clubchicago.org
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Ann, Steve, Allison, Kristine, We are so sorry for your loss. We know how difficult it is to lose someone that you love so much. We have many memories of Mr. Art, lots of laughs, Dad humor, crazy stories that will be etched in our memory forever. Thinking of you all and sending you strength and prayers to get through these difficult days.
Kristine, you and your entire family are our thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace, dear friend Arthur, you will be missed by the Martoranos. Love to all the Benkers
We count ourselves fortunate to have had you all as our friends for so many years. Art shared so many of our memories, going back to dad’s early CFD days. We will miss his presence in our lives and will cherish our memories of him and send to you all our love and prayers and sympathies.
Steve, Allison, Kristine and Mrs Benker, our prayers and condolences are with you during this time of grief and mourning. As you already know, you all were my second family growing up. Mr Benker (Art) and you all played a special part in my life. I can empathize with the loss of your father and I pray that your family will find peace now that he is no longer suffering. His laughter and jokes will always be remembered. God Bless you all!
What a beautiful man he was. Such a tender spirit and gift to so many. I just loved mr and Mrs benker. I always felt love and peace when I was with them. I’m so sorry for the kids here, but Heaven gained another one. Praying peace and comfort to the family, in Jesus mighty name.
Thinking of you and your beautiful family during this difficult time. Sending love and hugs.
I am so sorry for you loss. Loss my Mom last year it leaves such a hole in your heart and life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love and hugs to all
I am very sorry to hear of Art's passing. I always enjoyed spending time with him at family get together's. May he rest in peace. The entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
To Steve and the family, I am sorry for the loss of your Father. He had a good life of serving others. It is obovous he raised great kids knowing you for so long Steve. He did his job in many ways and that should be celebrated with all the great memories. Your father will continue on in all of you and may he rest in peace.
My Condolences to Ann,Steve,Allison and Kristine. I’ve known and worked with Art for many years. We had a lot of laughs and good times. He helped many people throughout the years. I will miss him.
Prayers for you and your family.
God bless you Mr. Benker. Thank you for being like a second family to me. And thank you for all the fire department inspiration 40+ years ago. Your family and yourself mean the world to me. We’ll meet again in the Alarm Office in Heaven. Chris
Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. Art was my “cuzzie” but regarded him as a brother. We had some silly phone conversations, but serious ones as well. Most importantly we prayed for each other and each others’ family. We must remember he is in a much better place, free from pain and suffering. My love to you all.
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Art, I will miss our daily phone calls and luncheons together. Our reminiscing of our experiences in the CFD. The people we knew that we shared those experiences with and how those we love are so much a part of our life’s. Our friendship will forever be treasured.
Art was a big and engaged part of the magic and efficiency of CFD’s FAO. I value my memories of him. I’m sorry for your loss.
Ann, the heart remembers most what it has loved best. May memories comfort you all and bring you peace. You and your Family are in our thoughts and prayers, and have our Deepest Condolences.
Steve and family, I'm so sorry for your loss and keeping you all in my prayers. Cherish those good memories and keep those traditions alive.
Steve and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you at this time.
Art was one of the best Fire Alarm Operators of all time! A true icon and hero! I will miss him but will cherish his friendship forever. My condolences to the entire Benker family. He certainly is leaving behind a great legacy. May God bless him and welcome him into his eternal kingdom.
I remember whenever Art started his shift he would check in and welcome us aboard. No matter what kind of shift we were having, Art would make us feel at ease. He had our backs and knew us by first names. It was a pleasure working with him. Art had a gift… that’s the job he was born to do.
Our deepest condolences to Ann & the Benker Family on the passing of Art. Fond memories of friendship shared and times spent together will always remain close to my heart. Rest in Eternal Peace, Art, along with your dear friends who are welcoming you into The Big Fire Alarm Office in the Sky!
I hope all of the warm memories comfort you, as I know they won't at first as the challenges of grief are real, but they will eventually, treasure the special moments, hold them close to your hearts, I know you will. All of our Love to you and your beautiful family, Liz Murray
Our deepest sympathy to your family at this most difficult time . Art and your family are in our thoughts & prayers. Sally&John Moriarty
Our deepest sympathy to your family at this most difficult time. Sally &John Moriarty
Our deepest sympathy to your family at this most difficult time . Art and your family are in our thoughts & prayers. Sally&John Moriarty
IM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF MR. BENKER ONE OF THE GREATS ON NAVARRE AV.
Ann, Steve, Allison and Kristine, I am truly sorry for your loss. I would like to thank you for giving me the privilege of being part of your family and allowing me to be by your side. I know your heart is broken and your life has turned inside out. Praying for your peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love Alex Gavin
So Sorry to hear of Art passing. He was always a kind and fine person. His Family is a reflection of Him . Peace
My sincere condolences to the entire Benker family. May GOD welcome Arthur into his kingdom of Heaven with opened arms and everlasting love. May Arthur Rest in Peace.
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Arthur
Art you will always be in my heart, the best neighbors ever Ann Steve Allison Kristine sorry for your loss.
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Arthur
Ann, Steve, Allison & Kristine, we are so sorry for your loss. Art was the former Mayor of Navarre Av, he knew everyone and brought a smile and happiness to our neighborhood.
Ann, Steve, Allison and Kristine, I am truly sorry for your loss. I would like to thank you for giving me the privilege of being part of your family and allowing me to be by your side. I know your heart is broken and your life has turned inside out. Praying for your peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love Alex Gavin
Except my condolences Ann. May he RIP.