Richard "Dick" Benim

Richard (Dick) Benim was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on April 27, 1949. His family moved to Rochester, New York, in 1965. Dick graduated from Churchville-Chili High School in 1967, and shortly after, joined Gleason Works in Rochester where he was employed for 50 years. He retired in 2020 primarily after the onset of his terminal illness, interstitial lung disease. In his early 20’s, Dick and a friend drove cross country twice on their Harley Davidson motorcycles to visit family in Oregon. He said he could have written a book about his adventures. He loved life and he loved people! In 1975, he settled down and married his sweetheart, Judy Spillane. His family grew in 1979 with the birth of their only child, Julie. His biggest pride and joy were his grandchildren, Genevieve, Emma and Jack, who referred to him as “GRUMPO”. He also had a very soft spot for the family’s two dogs, Katy Rose and Maggie Mae (his little peanut) . Dick is predeceased by his parents, Genevieve and Robert Benim, and a brother, Gary. He is survived by his wife Judy Spillane Benim. The couple enjoyed a friendship of 56 years and were married for 49 years. Also surviving him are his daughter, Julie Pagano (Dan Pagano-spouse), three grandchildren, Genevieve, Emma and Jack, as well as a sister, Kathryn Bascom of North Carolina, and brothers, Daniel, Joseph and Matthew Benim of Oregon. Family and friends may call Friday, June 20th from 4-7pm. Funeral Mass 9:30am at St. Pius Tenth Church, 3000 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624. Judy and Julie would like to send out a special thank you to Strong Memorial Hospital, especially the Burn Trauma ICU, for all the exceptional care they provided. A special thank you to all the Dr's, nurse's, and respiratory care specialist. To name a few Dr Cook, Dr Cheng, Kylie NP, Russell Oas RRT, Jill P RN, Grace Maimone RN, who has one of the most beautiful souls, and to all the other fantastic staff that helped with him and giving us guidance threw this process. We can't thank you enough for all the love and support from 31800. A special thank you to Beth Pagano Harper, who has been a 2nd daughter to Dick and Judy since the girls were in 3rd grade. She was our rock during this devastating time and helped us understand all the decisions that needed to be made. We love you and are so grateful for you. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions in his memory be made to Clifton Volunteer Fire Department where he served many years on their board as a fundraiser and volunteer.

Richard "Dick" Benim

April 27, 1949 - June 14, 2025