Contributions to the tribute of Stephen Edward Benko, Jr.

199 Main Street New Canaan, CT 06840 | (203) 966-0700 | hoytfh@hoytfuneralhome.com

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In Memory of

Stephen Edward Benko, Jr.

1950 - 2022

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Wednesday

February

Visitation

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Hoyt Funeral Home

199 Main Street

New Canaan, Connecticut, United States

Get Directions

Thursday

February

Funeral Mass

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thursday, February 24, 2022

First Presbyterian Chruch of New Canaan

178 Oenoke Ridge Rd.

New Canaan, Connecticut, United States

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Rocky DiMuzio lit a candle

Thursday, February 24, 2022

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Sorry to hear of Steve passing away...He did a lot for the Town of New Canaan and the Recreation Department...God Bless...RIP

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Lily Shen lit a candle

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

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No words can express our family’s shock and sadness! Steve was the living statement of why New Canaan is so beautiful and one that no other town can match! Everyone who lived in New Canaan and used the public facility of the town was a direct beneficiary of Steve’s relentless dedication. We will never forget Steve! Lily & Hui

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Roger Colson posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

It was with heartfelt sadness that we learned of Steve's passing. The Town of New Canaan has lost a son, a real wonderful man. We have known Steve for many years. He coached our son's travelling soccer team and was very well liked by everyone. He was a man of principle. We extend our most sincere sympathy to his wife, his children and his entire family. May he rest in peace. Roger and Charlotte Colson and family

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John P Morton lit a candle

Monday, February 21, 2022

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My condolences to Stephen's family and the entire Benko family. I remember Stephen well from the old days at St. Aloysius and how he worked tirelessly over many decades with countless town committees to make New Canaan an even better town to live in. Sincerely, Paul Morton

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Gillian DePalo posted a condolence

Monday, February 21, 2022

I met Steve when we served on the Waveny Pool committee together over 20 years ago. You could tell from the first meeting that he was so excited about the project and we were all so proud with the end result. How apt that the pool will now bear his name as a permanent reminder of his dedication! He was always cheerful, helpful and a wealth of knowledge about all things New Canaan. His passing has served to bring the whole town together, which mirrors the legacy of community spirit that he leaves behind. He will be missed every day.

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Tom Little posted a condolence

Monday, February 21, 2022

I was totally shocked when I heard this very sad news that Steve was no longer with us. What a wonderful man. As a former neighbor of those on Orchard Drive, he and Frank Natonski were impressive with their friendliness and neighborliness to all. Steve was everywhere, he was always out and about on the Waveny grounds, at the local Home Depot or wherever the action was.

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Jim Pickering uploaded photo(s)

Friday, February 18, 2022

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I am forever grateful to Steve for hiring me as a career firefighter for the New Canaan Fire Department. The career defined my life and who I am as a person. Steve mentored many of us at the craft of being a dedicated and skilled firefighter to the residence of New Canaan. Steve had a optimistic attitude that anything could be achieved if you tried. He always had a smile on his face and was a great Chief and boss. If New Canaan had a Mount Rushmore, Steve's face would be chiseled into the granite. He was New Canaan! I will miss Steve at the fire department functions and talking about the old days. May he Rest in Peace and be welcomed into the gates of heaven by family and friends. Thoughts and Prayers are with the Benko family at this difficult time. With sympathy, Jim Pickering

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Rob uploaded photo(s)

Friday, February 18, 2022

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Thank You Steve , For Everything !

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Brian & Amanda Scheuzger posted a condolence

Friday, February 18, 2022

We were honored to work on the Waveny Pool and Kiwanis Pavilion projects with Steve. He was always full of energy, positivity, and passion, especially for the New Canaan community. He was a joy to be around. We are saddened to hear of his loss, and send our warmest wishes to his family, friends, and loved ones. -Brian & Amanda Scheuzger

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Paul Fowler posted a condolence

Friday, February 18, 2022

When I saw Steve around town he always had a smile on his face and was upbeat. I worked with him on getting the Mead Park courts for the Riley Hogan Husband Wife Tennis Tournament in the late 70's early 80's and in the transformation of the Paddle House (Hut - Not) at Waveny. He was so helpful and treated each like it was the most important thing on his list of projects. He went the extra mile. A wonderful guy and role model. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. Paul Fowler

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FRANK DELIO lit a candle

Thursday, February 17, 2022

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REST IN PEACE ,GOOD PERSON AND LOVING PERSON I WENT TO NEW CANAAN HIGH SCHOOL 1972 GOD BLESS ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS .MY BEST,FRANK S, DELIO

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Rich Natonski posted a condolence

Thursday, February 17, 2022

It was with great sorrow that I heard of Steve’s passing. My deepest sympathies and prayers to Sue, his children, and David and Elaine and their families. New Canaan has truly lost an exceptional person. I knew Steve early in our lives having grown up on Orchard Drive. I remember shooting baskets with him in his driveway, playing baseball at South School, sledding at Benedict Hill, skating at Mead Park, and exploring the Lapham Estate years before there was a High School and the Waveny Care Center on the grounds. I would never have imagined then, that Steve, as the Town’s Recreation Director would have such a tremendous impact through his actions and hard work on what would eventually become Waveny Park and the numerous other recreational facilities throughout New Canaan. I also remember Steve’s Dad and Uncle John telling me about their experiences as Marines in World War II. Over the years, as I returned home to visit my parents from my own numerous duty stations and deployments in the Marine Corps, I’d always see Steve over the fence with that permanent smile on his face cooking out, rushing to a fire, or leaving to officiate at some sporting event. It’s difficult to imagine any one person having such an immeasurable effect on a community but Steve was that kind of man. Rest in Peace Steve, you will be missed and know you touched everyone you met with your kindness, friendship, and dedication. Rich Natonski

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Eric Thunem posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Steve Benko was the quintessential New Canaan citizen, - he loved serving this town and the people who call New Canaan home. He gave, and gave, and gave, and never sought recognition for his efforts. I’ll always remember Steve’s gracious acceptance as honoree in the Gridiron Club’s 2018 show, smiling and laughing along as we celebrated his wonderful life. A life way too short, as we remember him. We love you, Steve, and we’ll miss you.

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Hal Schaefer posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Memories? Launching a softball as deep as any of Piel's. Officiating softball. Riding the roller on Mead courts. That smile. Over a decade of setting up and breaking down tents & chairs for Allan Jay tournament @ Mead often the same weekends that he did the same for Lobster Bake @ Kiwanis. That smile. Looming large over his desk @ Waveny. Being everywhere there was to be. Did I mention his smile?

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Joe Gintoli posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

To The Benko Family…my deepest condolences on the passing of Steve. I knew Steve through his involvement with basketball officiating and the local IAABO Board #9 organization. Reading his accomplishments and involvement in the New Canaan community even furthers my respect for the type of person he was. May he rest in the arms of God. Joe Gintoli Venice, Florida

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mitch hoffman posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Steve was extremely passionate about NC. He wore this on his sleeve and evolved with every change the town went through. Never have I seen someone unlock and open Lapham for a baseball meeting late at night and next day early make sure a storm did not impact play on ball fields. He worked a thankless position but always seemed to get thanks and from my end and genuine appreciation. Very happy to have worked and known you for past 25 years. RIP Steve

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Michael Connors posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

I had the pleasure of coaching baseball in NC for 12 years in NC and served with Steve for several years on the NC Board.Steve loved the game and importantly the kids. When it rained and threatened our ballgames to be rained out he would not hesitate to come out and help get the fields ready so the kids could play. When we had the idea to progress the snack truck at Mead Park to building a facility for the town and kids to enjoy at Mead I asked Steve for his advice. He said “Go For It. Get it Done.” A motto that he lived by. Condolences to the entire Benko family. Steve leaves a legacy for all to be proud of. Mike Connors.

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Kathy Mitchell lit a candle

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

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New Canaan sadly just lost the most dedicated and loyal member of our community. Steve was "Mr. New Canaan". He loved his hometown and dedicated his life to it for 50 years. And he always had a smile on his face and a willingness to help. This is a huge loss. My deepest sympathy to Sue, Lindsay, Stephanie, & Peter; and to his sister Elaine & brother Dave. RIP Steve. Kathy Mitchell

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Gisa Johnston posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

As a close neighbor of Steve Benko, I will always remember him for his warmth and generosity. Steve was always available to offer a helping hand especially when we needed one when we first moved to Douglas Road 25 years ago. Through the years, he was always a kind, caring, and thoughtful person. I will miss him terribly, as I glance across my yard and see him no more. The New Canaan community has lost a very precious person. He gave so much of himself to this town, and he will never be forgotten.

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David Peters lit a candle

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

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The family of Stephen Edward Benko, Jr. uploaded a photo

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

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Pam James lit a candle

Monday, February 14, 2022

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Betty J. Lovastik lit a candle

Monday, February 14, 2022

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The whole town of New Canaan mourns the loss of Steve Benko whose smile was contagious. A man who loved New Canaan as much as he loved his family. Condolences to Sue, Stephanie, Lindsay and Peter and the Benko family. Betty, Angelo and Jordan

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199 Main Street New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-0700
Fax: (203) 966-2736
hoytfh@hoytfuneralhome.com

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Stephen Edward Benko, Jr.

1950 - 2022

Visitation

Funeral Mass

Send Flowers

Immediate Need

Map & Directions

199 Main Street New Canaan, CT 06840(203) 966-0700​Fax: (203) 966-2736hoytfh@hoytfuneralhome.com

Home | About Us | Obituaries | At-Need | Pre-Need | Resources | Merchandise

199 Main Street New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-0700
Fax: (203) 966-2736
hoytfh@hoytfuneralhome.com