Dr. Charles Benko

Dr. Charles Benko, 82, of Medina, Ohio fell asleep in the Lord peacefully and surrounded by his family on Friday, April 21, 2023.

He was a faithful man who loved God and his family. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Denise (Azar) and his sons, Justin (Leslie), Ryan (Laura Zemanek), and grandsons, Reagan, Luke, Noah and Weston. His memory will also be cherished by many nieces and nephews and his loving sister Linda (Pat) Gemind.

Charlie was born on November 30, 1940 in Akron, Ohio to Edith Kahn. He graduated from Copley High School and enlisted in the Navy. He served honorably on the destroyer USS Basilone for 4 years during the Vietnam War remembering stories to share for the rest of his life. He continued a life of service as a police officer. He rose in the ranks to Chief of Police for Northampton Township, ultimately retiring as a lieutenant for Cuyahoga Falls. During this time, he earned a doctorate degree in education from the University of Akron.

Charlie began his second career as a grant writer for Summa Health Systems and then the Berea Children’s Home, now Ohio Guidestone. Once he fully retired, he became a full-time golfer and Papa. Over the years, he attended church faithfully at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church and St. Thomas Orthodox Church, served as Parish Council Secretary and on the Medina Foundation.

Charlie always said his greatest successes were his sons and grandchildren. He loved spending time with them playing card games, vacationing, golfing and going to dinner.

He made sure that all of those around him knew he loved them with warm hugs, words of advice, and a big heart.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 10:30 am until the hour of service at 12:00 pm at St. George Akron. Internment will follow at Northampton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George or St. Thomas Church. 

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333

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