Saugerties, NY – With great sadness, the Benzinger family has endured another loss. John Frederick Benzinger, born July 19, 1951, has passed from our lives. He faced his ending days with the same dignity and grace with which he lived his life. We have lost a special person – a father, an uncle, and a beloved brother.

John was something of a warlock, a wizard of nature. He held a deep love and dedication to all forms of plant life, and through decades of selective cross breeding and care, he developed many strains that will continue to enrich the lives of many people for decades to come. His beautiful gardens adorn many locations throughout New York and his home state of Virginia.

Another of John's lifelong passions was for bee keeping. Through the years he has become a guru of all things honeybee throughout the Hudson Valley. He took many an eager young apprentice under his wing, and through them his beloved apiary will endure, finding loving homes throughout the region.

Thus, it can truly be said that John has left behind a beautiful legacy, one that will endure. He will be remembered fondly by many friends and neighbors. He was constantly surrounded by family and friends. He did not die a lonely man.

John was he second Son of Frederick and Katherine Benzinger. He is survived by his son, Dmitri Benzinger, his brothers Bill, Jim, Tom, Doug, Paul, Joe, and his sister Alice. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Ann, and his nephew Daniel.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that you simply embrace your loved ones. Remind them all of what they mean to you and spread kindness and love. Arrangements were under the direction of Buono Funeral Service, Inc., Saugerties, NY. Please offer your condolences for John and his family online at www.BuonoFuneralService.com