Benfer, Aaron W. (Pete) Sr.

Aaron "Pete" Benfer

(May 29, 1932 - October 19, 2011)

Aaron W. (Pete) Benfer, Sr., 79, a resident of Watsontown, PA, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 in the Muncy Valley Hospital following an extended illness.

Born in East Buffalo Twp., Union Co., PA, on Sunday, May 29, 1932, he was the son of the late Ammon and Beulah (Baker) Benfer.

Pete was the widower of Hazel S. (Derr) Benfer who preceded him in death on February 15, 2009.

He was employed in the maintenance department of the former J.C. Decker Co. at Montgomery, PA for over 57 years and was also the caretaker of Fairview Cemetery for over 57 years.

Pete was a social member of the Turbotville V.F.W. Post 8206, the Bower-Decker American Legion Post 251 at Montgomery and the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Co. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed gardening.

He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne F. and Virginia Benfer, Muncy; Aaron W. and Azel Benfer, Jr., Muncy; Harold E. and Taffy Benfer, Watsontown; four daughters and one son-in-law, Sandra L. and Robert Hackenberg, Winfield; Karen S. Tupper, Muncy; Patty A. Miller, Montgomery; Brenda Lee Price, York; 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Pete was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be conducted from the First United Methodist Church, 41 West Houston Avenue, Montgomery, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2011 with Reverend Richard M. Barner officiating. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Clinton Twp., Lycoming County. Friends may call on Saturday from 10 - 11 a.m. at the church.

The family requests no flowers. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Warrior Run Area Fire Department, 1125 Main Street, Watsontown, PA 17777 or to the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Co., 24 Montgomery Street, Montgomery, PA 17752.

Arrangements are being handled by the Galen R. Betzer Funeral Service, 40 E. Houston Avenue, Montgomery, PA. Please visit www.betzerfuneral.com to sign the guest book or send an e-condolence.