Alfred Benson

Alfred E. Benson, 93, a longtime, and very proud resident of Stoughton, died peacefully at his home on July 24th, 2019. He was surrounded by his adoring family at the time of his passing. He was the husband of the late Claire M. (Gilligan) Benson, whom he referred to as "my Claire". He has missed her dearly for 47 years, and his family is comforted in the belief that they are finally reunited, dancing in Heaven to their song, "Always". Born and raised in Roxbury, he was a graduate of Roxbury Memorial High School, class of 1942. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he enlisted in the US Army and proudly served as a Paratrooper for over three years, spending two years in the European Theater, Rhineland and Ardennes. He fearlessly fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned several medals and awards, including two Purple Hearts. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he returned home and began working at Buck Printing in Boston, a job he held for over 25 years. Upon the closing of the company, he began working in the pressroom at the Boston Herald from which he retired, over 30 years ago. An avid outdoorsman and nature lover, he enjoyed hiking and mountain climbing and boasted there "wasn't a mountain in New Hampshire he hadn't climbed". He referred to the White Mountains in New Hampshire as "God's Country" and particularly enjoyed hiking Mount Monadnock. He also loved the Blue Hills. He would fondly recall riding horses there as a young man, and continued to regularly hike them as an adult. His family will always carry fond memories of walking the trails with him, or simply taking a stroll around Houghton's pond in his later years. In his free time, he enjoyed playing cards with his brothers and sisters, reading books, keeping his mind sharp with his crossword puzzles, and watching old western movies. But by far, the thing that brought him the most joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He was a true believer in the healing power of candy and always made sure to have an ever ready stock of M&M's and truffles to share with the kids during their visits. Those visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him such happiness right up until his last days.

Mr. Benson was the beloved father of Claire Davis and her husband Richard of Mansfield, Alfred E. Benson, Jr. and his spouse Jack DeCamillis of GA, Mark A. Benson of MN, Michael D. Benson and his wife Laurie of Rockland and the late Colleen D. Benson. He was the brother of Patricia Dykens of Norton, Barbara Edwards of PA and was predeceased by 7 brothers and sisters. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Private family services were held. Donations in Al's memory can be made to Beacon Hospice, 182 N. Main St., Fall River, MA 02720.