William R. "Bill" Benna

William Ralph Benna, 84, of New Paris passed away at home on June 6, 2021, surrounded by his family.

He was born on August 19, 1936 in Manns Choice, PA, son of the late Ralph & Bertha (Hyde) Benna, who preceded him in death.  Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

On November 24, 1956 he married Martha A. Morgart and they would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this November.

His wife survives along with by Daughter- Cindy D. wife of  TJ Reiley, New Paris; Daughter- Kim S. wife of  Richard Barclay, New Paris; Daughter- Brenda L. wife of  Dawn (Drier), New Paris; Grandson- Ryan Higgins, Granddaughter- Brittany Hansel wife of Colby and 4 great-grandchildren- Albert, Reiley, Colin and Daxon, Sister- Pat Seifarth; Brother- Richard Benna; Brother- Donald husband of  Doris (Turner) Benna; Brother- Ted husband of  Elda (Mock) Benna; Sister- Sue wife of  Rick Hahn.  Bill also leaves behind a very special friend named Jake, who was his constant companion for the past three years.

Bill was a graduate of Schellsburg Napier High School in 1954.  He then served in the Army National Guard and was an expert sharpshooter.  After his discharge from the Guard, he went to work for Brown Motor Supply Company and then Kennametal before owning and operating Kase Beverage for 23 years, working side by side with his wife.

He always had a love of baseball and in his early years played often and with many teams.  He was well known as a very talented pitcher and later, first baseman.  Bill also had a life-long passion for the farm life and he was happiest when he was sitting atop a tractor or tinkering on his farm.  His family likes to think he is now riding the biggest tractor in heaven.

He was a member of the United Church of Schellsburg and his tenor voice was often heard in the church choir.  He was also a very active member of the Schellsburg Lions for many years.

The family would like to say a very special thank you to the staff from UPMC Family Hospice, particularly Jada and Brenda, who provided exceptional care and support to Bill and his family.

Friends will be received from 5 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, 3779 Pitt Street, Schellsburg, Pa.

A private funeral service for family will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021.

A private interment will be held at Bedford County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Family Hospice, Heart of Gratitude, 20 Sheraton Drive, Altoona, Pa.  16601 in memory of William R. Benna.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.geiselfuneral.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, Schellsburg.