Dennis E. Bensur

Dennis E. Bensur, 75, of Girard, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at UPMC Hamot, following an extended illness due to agent orange complications .

He was born June 28, 1949, in Erie, a son of the late Edward J. and Millie (Youschak) Bensur.

Denny graduated from Rice Avenue Union High School in 1967. Following high school he began working at Libby Plastics in Lake City. 

With America’s involvement in the Vietnam War, Denny was inducted into the U.S. Army, where he chose to be in the 101st Airborne Division, (Screaming Eagles). He deployed to Vietnam with the 101st Aviation Battalion, where he served one year and two months at Camp Eagle, Vietnam as an Engineer Equipment Repairman. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Expert M-14 badge with two overseas bars.

Upon his honorable discharge in November of 1970, he returned home to Lake City, where he went back to work at Libby Plastic. He then continued employment at Parker-White Metal, (Now PHB) where he retired in 2011 as a set-up man, for Zinc Die Cast.

He was a long-time member of the Girard American Legion Post#494, where he was Past Commander for ten years and was instrumental in the construction of the new post building in 2012. He received the award there as Past Commander of the year. Denny was “dual member’ of post #494. Being also a member of the Sons of the American Legion. He participated in countless veteran’s burial detail services with the Girard American Legion Honor Guard for over twenty years and was Erie County, 29th district Commander.

Denny was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Girard, where he was an usher and Co-Manager of the Social Hall for many years; a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #5430, and the Northwest Jay Cees.

Denny was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed time at hunting camp in Wilcox with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Diane M. Wochner in 1999.

He will be greatly missed by his family, which include his wife, Sarena (Waxham) Bensur, whom he married August 28, 1971, in Girard; a daughter, Dawn R. D’Amico (Ryan); two sons, Christopher O. Bensur (Renee) and Dennis M. Bensur; his grandchildren, Rudy, Twins, Roman and Ronnie, Ashley, Savannah and Michael; brothers, Michael J. Bensur and Kenneth E. Bensur (Colleen) also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call Friday (September 13) from 5PM at 8PM at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. East, Girard and attend a Prayer Service there on Saturday at 9AM with Rev. Scott Detisch officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be in the St. John Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Families of the Wounded Fund, Inc., PO Box 5327, Midlothian, VA., 23112-0023.
 

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