Ronald Gordon Benson

Ronald G. Benson Age 83, of Peter’s Township formerly of Beaver, Coraopolis and Sewickley, passed away at his home on Thursday, March 29, 2018, after a long struggle with heart disease. He was born in Lombard, IL on June 19, 1934, to the late Gordon and Francis (Pinc) Benson. Beloved husband to the late Polly (Sharp) Benson and to Shirley Chitty Benson; loving father of Beth Christensen and Sarah (SJ) Benson; brother of Ken (Lorna) Benson; brother-in-law to Linda (Howard) Abney and the late Herbert (Kay) Sharp; step-father of Stephen Chitty and uncle to   many nieces and nephews. Ron graduated in 1956 from Wesleyan University. He worked as a marketing executive with Proctor & Gamble, Clopay and Citgo’s Fesco Division until the manufacturing downturn in the early 1980s. As a result of his own walk with God through career changes, he was motivated to help others in similar circumstances and he founded a Christian-based ministry (Priority Two) for those affected by the closing of the steel mills. In 1983, Ron helped launch Pittsburgh Consulting Group until a health crisis led him into full time ministry with Fellowship of Companies for Christ. Ron faithfully participated in a number of small groups within his church where he developed life-long friendships that challenged and blessed him. As an active member of his church, he served communion, directed missions outreach, and led a weekly worship service at an assisted living home with his wife Polly. When Polly was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2001, they collaborated with a handful of families to birth a ministry for care partners living with memory loss. In this support outreach he met his dear friend and future wife, Shirley, with whom he enjoyed a winter romance. While Ron was highly motivated to impact others for good, in the crucibles of his life, God impacted Ron for His good.

Memorial visitation, Thursday, May 17, 2018, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Christy House, 403 Frederick Ave., Sewickley, PA 15143. Memorial service Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St Stephen’s Church, 405 Frederick Ave., Sewickley, PA 15143 Rev. Geoffrey Chapman will officiate. Burial will be private in the columbarium in St. Stephen’s Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Urban Impact Ministries, 801 Union Ave., 4^th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.