Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1935
DIED
2025
Edward Benskin Obituary
Edward John Benskin died peacefully in hospice at Sinai hospital in Baltimore, Maryland on January 18, 2025 surrounded by family and friends. He was known as John to his family and as Ben to everyone else. Ben was born on January 10, 1935 to Arthur Edward Benskin and Laura Bratton in Cross Gates, Yorkshire, England.
Ben attended primary school in Scholes and secondary school at Ripon Grammar School (both in Yorkshire) followed by 2 years in the RAF to fulfill his National Service obligation. He then trained as a teacher at Westminster College in London. He returned to teach in Leeds where he also sang in the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus and was their librarian. In 1963 he married an American, Denise Boyd. After two years in Leeds they moved to Washington, DC, the city where Denise grew up. In 1966 Ben began teaching at Georgetown Day School where he spent 35 wonderful years. From 1968 to 1972 Ben and Denise were the co-directors of the Green Acres Summer Day Camp.
Ben is survived by his wife of 62 years, Denise, his two children John Benskin (Joanna Pecore) and Elizabeth Benskin (Corbin Small). In England he leaves his sister Molly Laughton, his nephew David Laughton (Nicola Balfe) and two cousins, Ruth Bird and Keith Pratt (Rita). Ben is also survived by the children of his late half-brother, Frederick Alexander Benskin: Raymond Benskin, Gillian O'Sullivan, Maureen O'Brien (Richard), and William Benskin (Patricia) of County Cork, Ireland; and Colin Goldsworthy (Patricia) of Herefordshire, UK, as well as many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Georgetown Day School on Saturday, April 5 at 11 a.m. Please RSVP to https://gds.org/benbenskin. There will be a live stream link on that site. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Georgetown Day School Financial Aid Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Benskin
Colin Goldsworthy
February 23, 2026
I will always remember Uncle Ben. His kind words and acceptance of me are so important.
Colin Goldsworthy
January 4, 2026
I am just sorry I never got to know Uncle Ben better. He came into my life quite late and left far too early. Though over such a short time he left me with precious memories.
Dick and Pat Roth
April 5, 2025
Long ago memories of Green Acres school and GDS., Rest in peace old friend Dick
How you can show support
Elizabeth Benskin
March 28, 2025
Elizabeth Benskin (on behalf of Johanna Renouf)
March 4, 2025
I dearly wish I had spent much more time getting to know Ben. I remember him vividly from two visits - one at my home in London and later when my son Michael and I visited Denise, Ben and Elizabeth in DC. Here is a photo of the later happy event!
Johanna Renouf (one of Denise´s boarding school roommates back in 1954-6)
Elizabeth Benskin (on behalf of Johanna Renouf)
March 4, 2025
Jonathan Schooler
March 4, 2025
Ben was one of my all time favorite teachers. He was my third grade teacher and I still remember the amazing way he read stories to the class with different voices for every character. In high school he taught ancient history and made seemingly distant events come to life.
Ava S Burke
March 3, 2025
I didn't know Ben very well but when I did visit with the Benskins I loved his typical British subtle sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him
Susan Ostrow (Jacobson)
March 3, 2025
Ben has remained in my head lo these many years, commenting on bad writing with his sketches when " the eyes followed the dog down the road" or reprimanding me for "lowering the tone of the conversation". And telling the story about the Bishop's egg. Louise Cowden told me she put 2 PG Wodehouse books in the school library, " one for you, one for Ben". What an honor!
Jennifer Small Weeks
March 3, 2025
My deep condolences to the family. Know my thoughts are with you.
Colin Goldsworthy
March 3, 2025
Dear Denise, John and Elizabeth, please accept my condolences on Ben's passing. I'm sure he will be greatly missed. My contact with him was always thought provoking and enjoyable. I am sure he has left you all with many happy memories.
Love from Colin and Pat.
Diana Solomon
March 2, 2025
"Hello, ladies." That was how principal Ben Benskin would greet a pair of 6 year old girls in the hallway of GDS. And the kindness and humor behind those words was what Ben embodied. I was lucky to know him and get to see him regularly for 50 years, and I can only imagine the depths of the hole his passing has left in the lives of his family. My deepest condolences to Denise, John, and Elizabeth on the passing of Ben.
Maureen o brien
March 2, 2025
Dear Denise, John and Elizabeth
it is with great sadness to hear of Uncle Ben´s passing we were so lucky to meet and get to know him and his family. Uncle Ben will always have a place in our hearts and will be remembered with love always may he rest in peace with the angels.
Love to all,
Maureen, Dick and Family xxx
Trish O Brien
March 2, 2025
Our sincere condolences on the Passing of great Uncle Ben .
You are all in our thoughts
Trish O Brien & Jack Thebault x
William Benskin
March 2, 2025
Deepest sympathy to all , may Ben rest in peace .love from William and Patricia Benskin.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Edward Benskin's name
Memorial Events
for Edward Benskin
People and places connected with Edward
Washington, DC
The Washington Post
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Edward's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Edward Benskin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
