Robert C. Benz, 87, Senior Master Sgt., RI National Guard, passed away Sunday, August 14, 2022, with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband for 65 years to Patricia L. (Quinn) Benz and a son of the late Henry E. and Mary B. (Coleman) Benz. Robert served with the National Guard for 44 years, retiring as information systems manager and services supervisor. He was a member of the Sampson Airforce Base Assoc. He graduated from La Salle Academy in 1952. Robert was active in youth sports for over 40 years. He served as President of the Warwick Junior Hockey Assoc. and Warwick Figure Skaters Assoc. He was a past president of RI Football Officials Assoc., a RI Football Official, a referee and score keeper for Hendricken Football. He was also an umpire for many baseball and softball leagues. He was inducted into Providence Gridiron Club Hall of Fame. Robert was most proud of helping adults learn to read through the Warwick Library. He was an active member of the Warwick Knights of Columbus and a communicate of St. Gregory the Great Church where he served as usher.
He was the loving father of Terry A. Benz (Patrice Holton), Mary Lou Miner (Michael), Sheila M. Cienava (Michael); grandfather of Dr. Elizabeth G. Benz, Philip C. Benz, Erin E. Ross, James T. Miner, Emily A. Cienava, Meghan A. Cole, Michael J. Cienava II and great-grandfather of 13. He was the brother of Jack Benz, the late Edwin Benz, Fritz Benz, Donald Benz and Barbara Capracotta.
His funeral will be held Friday, August 19, 2022, at 8:30am from the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Gregory the Great Church, Cowesett Rd., Burial with Military Honors in the RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours Thursday, August 18, 2022, 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Literacy Group of Kent County, 1672 Flat River Rd, Coventry, RI 02816 would be appreciated. Information and condolences, visit www.theQuinnFuneralHome.com
