Mark R. Benjamin

Schenectady- Mark R. Benjamin, 63, passed away suddenly after a short battle with cancer on Thursday, February 2, 2017.

Loving husband of 36 years to Marcia L. Benjamin and father to Marcy Benjamin and Mickayla Benjamin. Mark is also survived by his loving sister and sisters-in-law, Terry B. Reilly, Paula Benjamin, and Patricia Doleski; brother-in-law, Steven Doleski; sister, Rickena Lobdell; nieces, Heidi Sicari, Ashley Reed, Ann Crittenden, and Samantha Lobdell and nephews, James Benjamin and John Doleski; as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mark was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Anne Benjamin and a brother Thomas Benjamin.

Mark was a graduate of Guilderland High School and Hudson Valley Community College with a degree in Heating and Refrigeration. He used his specialized skills working for Coca Cola Enterprises for 21 years and before that for General Electric Co.

Mark's passion was for collecting and restoring British and Indian motorcycles as well as old cars and wooden boats. He collected old tools. He was a skilled craftsman, able to recreate Gustav Stickley lamps and clocks.
When it was time to relax, Mark enjoyed his retirement cottage at Cossayuna Lake where he went boating, swimming and bird watching. He especially liked to watch two nesting bald eagles from out in his boat on the lake. Mark was an animal lover and believed every critter had a unique personality and soul of its own.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at New Comer Funerals & Cremations- Colonie Chapel, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie from 4pm-6:30pm. An opportunity to share memories will begin at 6:30pm with a memorial service following at 7pm at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204.