Gilbert A

Benson

Obituary

Gilbert A. Benson

February 20, 1942 – August 19, 2019

Gilbert A. Benson was born in Englewood, New Jersey on February 20, 1942 to Irene and Robert E. Benson, Sr.  Gilbert attended the Englewood Public Schools, graduating from Dwight Morrow High School.  After finishing high school, Gilbert attended New York College of Music, and majored in Organ Music, with a minor in Piano.

Gilbert was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1966.  During his service time he was Post Organist at Ft. Dix in New Jersey and Ft. Bliss in Texas.

After returning from the Army, Gilbert was Organist and Choir Director at several churches of various denominations in New York and New Jersey.   He was one of the organists at the United Nations Chapel and at The Interchurch Center, New York City.  He also held various positions of employment with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, the Lutheran World Service, and the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia.  Gilbert shared his God given talent giving organ concerts internationally.

Gilbert's home church was Shiloh AME Zion Church in Englewood.  From an early age he sang in the church choirs and participated in Sunday School.  He was a member of the Men's Day Fellowship and Veterans Fellowship.

In addition to his church activities, Gilbert attended the Southeast Senior Center for Independent Living and was a charter member of the SESCIL Singers there.  Gilbert was a "Partner" in the Garden State Choral Chapter and a member of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses.  He was a Life Member of HIP (Heightened Independence and Progress), Hackensack, NJ.

In 1988, Gilbert suffered a debilitating career ending stroke which left him wheelchair bound for the rest of his life.  Throughout Gilbert's disability, he did not complain and he was always ready to participate in events and programs, as he would often say, "By His Grace".

Gilbert was predeceased by his parents, his older brother, Robert E. Benson, Jr., and older sister, L. Alice Peters.

Gilbert leaves to cherish his memory: two sisters, Dorothy Edgar (Harold) and Patricia Jackson (Roswell), a sister-in-law, Alice Benson, two nieces, Brenda Benson and Lydia Jackson, and two nephews, Harrold Edgar and Darrold Edgar.  He will also be lovingly remembered by a host of other relatives and friends.