Carl Russell Benedict

Carl Benedict was born in Hornell, New York on February 11, 1935. The son of an Erie Lakawanna Railroad employee and a German homemaker, he was the oldest of five children. He was raised in a Catholic family, attended St. Anne’s Catholic Elementary School and Hornell High School. He later obtained his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in business management from the University of Nebraska.

Carl and Sandy Sherburne were high school sweethearts and partners in life! They got engaged at the tender age of 16, were married at 21, and had a beautiful life together. They raised four children and traveled the world through his career in the U.S. Air Force until Sandy’s passing in 2004. Although he never remarried, Carl later shared companionship and many wonderful times with his long-time girlfriend, Rose Acheson.

Carl’s military career began when he enlisted in the Merchant Marines. He later switched branches to the Air Force, worked his way through the ranks, and retired as a Major. Much of his military career was spent as a navigator, flying a variety of planes. He flew countless missions on AC119 Gunships during his year in the Vietnam War. His time in the military took him and his family to many interesting places including Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Guam, Spain, and all over the U.S.

Carl’s passions included his faith, his family, travel, golf, books, puzzles, Husker football, riding roller coasters, and his wife’s cooking! He was always the grandpa who got on the floor and really played with his grandkids. He taught his children the importance of responsibility, the significance of family, the thrill of adventure, the thirst for travel, the joy of reading a good book, and how to drive a stick shift! Love and affection were always abundant in the Benedict household. Everyone who met him loved him and was drawn to his sense of humor.

Carl was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years Sandra L. Benedict; and parents Carl E. and Gertrude M. Benedict, brother Robert Benedict, sisters MaryLou Westrom and Elizabeth Rauber.

He is survived by his children: son David (Cindy) Benedict, daughter Kathleen Dinwoodie, son Lawrence (Erica) Benedict and daughter Susan (Thomas) Bishop; grandchildren: Stacey (Dan) Ross and Erica Benedict; Matthew (Monica) and Allison Dinwoodie; Zachary, Christopher, Harrison, Lauren and Pierson Benedict; Timothy (Sara), Jeffrey, Sam (Emily) and Alex Bishop; and brother John (May) Benedict.