Larry L. Benner

Colonie - Larry L. Benner, 77, of Albany, NY, passed away at home surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer on June 17, 2024.  Larry was the loving husband of Judith Garhartt Benner.  They had just celebrated their 55th anniversary in May.

He was the youngest son of Blaine and Phoebe Benner (both deceased) in Lockhaven, Pa. Graduating in 1964 from Bellefonte High School.  He is survived by his wife Judy and 3 children, Larry (Nicole), Brian (Danielle) and Stacy.  Larry has 6 grandchildren who meant the world to him: Blaine, Anna, Liam, Elana, Hunter and Georgia. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Keith (Donna) of Pa., and sisters Martha Fogleman (Ohio), Carole Reynolds (CA.) and Lannie Scott (Vic) (Pa.). Also survived by sister-in-laws Alayne and Nancy and brother-in-law Charles Wian, all of Pa.  He is predeceased by his in-laws Leigh and Margaret (Dolly) Garhartt, son- in- law Andy Liuzzi, as well as siblings Fred (Dot), Jim, George, Sarah (all of Pa.) and brother-in-laws Ralph Foglemen and Tom Reynolds.

After high school Larry enlisted in the US Navy entering into aviation at Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Oahu, Hawaii, first as a jet engine mechanic and then on a flight crew searching for submarines in the Pacific Ocean during Vietnam.  Larry absolutely loved his time in the Navy getting to spend time in Guam and on the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Outside his service time is where he met his loving wife; they were married in 1969, just 4 months later.  He always said he knew immediately that this was who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

Upon discharge from the Navy he made his home in NY and worked in several machine shops before joining the workforce at the Watervliet Arsenal both in the machine shop and in quality control, retiring in 1999. He then worked with Knapp Builders forging a never ending friendship with both Bill and John Knapp (his best friends forever).

Though Larry loved everything outdoors; hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and camping, his oldest brother, Fred, introduced him to antique tractors.  He has continued his love by showing his 1963 Case 430 that he restored with the help of his daughter, Stacy, and her husband, Andy.

However, his favorite role was that as Pap to his grandchildren, attending as many of their sporting events as possible.  Of course, we cannot forget the love he had for his dog, Cissy, always staying by his side during his illness.  She will miss him so much.  He will also miss his phone chats and visits with his long, Navy friend, Judd Kettle.  Judd came back into his life after an internet search by Stacy where she found someone named Judd looking for his Navy buddy named Larry Benner.  It was a great reunion for them and they had continued to stay in touch with Judd coming to NY for several events with him and Judy.

Larry was a 38 yr member of the No. Albany American Legion Post #1610, Brunswick Sportsman Club, Nittany Antique Machinery Assoc, NRA, and ABATE of NY.Larry will always be remembered for his smile and helping nature as well as his ‘always being correct’ with whatever you were talking about (and he usually was!)   His family couldn’t have asked for a better Pap and will miss him everyday.  His memory will live on in the hearts of all of us that loved him.

Viewing will be on Wednesday, June 26th, 4-7pm at Cannon Funeral Home, Central Ave in Colonie.  A service will be at 10:30am the next morning, also at the funeral home. Burial will be immediately following at Memory Gardens.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Stratton VAMC, Att: CVCD, 113 Holland Ave, Albany NY 12208, to help veterans needing help with the basics (food pantry & clothing). To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com