Leigh C. Benton passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, on November 12, 2023 in Garnet Health Medical Center. He was 87.
The son of Lawrence D. Benton and Dorothy M. Dumas, he was born in Ira, New York on August 11, 1936. Leigh was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Joan E. Benton. He is survived by two sons: Leigh J. and his wife Victoria, Kevin C. and his wife Vanessa; two granddaughters: Jasmine (Slattery) and Faith; and three great-grandchildren.
A lifelong resident of the Town of Newburgh, Leigh graduated from Newburgh Free Academy, and SUNY Morrisville. He was a watchmaker/jeweler and the owner of Phillips Jewelers in New Paltz, NY. After closing the store, he drove buses for the New Paltz Central School District, rising to become the Assistant Transportation Director. He retired from this position in 2015. Leigh was a longtime member of the Hudson River Lodge #309 F&AM. He was “everyone’s grandfather”, and is fondly remembered bringing donuts to his favorite banker. He was active in both the City and the Town of Newburgh Senior clubs.
Leigh’s remains were cremated, per his wishes, at Cedar Hill, where he will be inurned beside his wife following a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 9 from 3 - 5 p.m. at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., 337 Hudson Street Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY.
Memorial contributions can be made in Leigh’s memory to two causes very dear to his heart: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN or Shriners Hospital for Children, Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA, 30394.
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences or to get directions, go to www.Quigleybros.com.