Robert M. Benton

Robert M. “Bear” Benton of Delray Beach, FL, and proud former lifelong resident of Liberty, NY, died Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Clara Maas Medical Center, Belleville, NJ. He was 75.

The son of the late Icabod and Edith Bruno Benton, he was born August 20, 1948 in Sullivan County, NY.

Bear loved Gunsmoke, bad jokes, his hometown, and told everyone he met he was at David Cone’s perfect game. He worked for Poley Paving, Inc. of Liberty for almost 50 years.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry Lippelt Benton, at home; one daughter, Angie Benton Giella, her husband Mike, and two grandchildren Laina and Alex, of Nutley, NJ; one sister, Debbie, of Liberty, NY, and multiple nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Richard Benton, John Benton and Arthur Benton; two sisters, Marie Shorten and Brenda Benton.

Visitation will be Monday, July 8, 2024 from 11 AM to 1 PM in the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY. Funeral services will begin at 1 PM in the funeral home.  Burial will follow at the Laurel Hill Cemetery, White Sulphur Springs, NY.

As a lifelong dog lover and owner, memorial contributions in Robert’s name may be made to the Sullivan County SPCA in honor of his grand dogs, Junior and Bruno (Support Our Organization - Sullivan County SPCA (sullivanspca.org).

Dignified cremation provided by Harris Crematorium, LLC. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 www.Harris-FH.com