Edwin Peter Benson Sr., beloved father, grandfather, brother, and cherished friend to the community of Montgomery, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, at the age of 78.
Born on November 20, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, to Edwin and Gladys Benson, Ed graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on several ships during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1968. Upon returning home, Ed aspired to join the New York City Police Department. However, a hiring freeze and the upcoming birth of his first son led him to pursue his true passion: the food business.
Ed learned to cook at an early age from his mother and began working in delis at just 14 years old. By the early 1970s, he owned and operated two delis simultaneously. Seeking a better environment to raise his growing family and escape city life, Ed worked in several delis before relocating to Montgomery in 1979 and opening his legendary town staple, Eddie’s Deli. For 35 years, Eddie’s Deli served as the heart of the community. Never closing a single day, regardless of holidays or severe weather. Ed provided a warm haven where early-morning seniors and local farmers gathered, followed by construction crews, teachers, municipal workers, and neighbors. Known for fair prices and his famous $1 egg sandwich, Ed fed generations of locals.
Beyond his counter, Ed was a cornerstone of Montgomery. He passionately supported the Village Fire Department, Police Department, Village Hall, Little League, Valley Central sports programs, and countless community events.
Ed was also a gifted artist. In his younger years, he could often be found squeezing between buildings to take measurements, photos, and sketches to create detailed, scaled models of historical properties, most notably a complete model of the entire Village of Montgomery, which remains on display at the Village of Montgomery Museum. In retirement, Ed discovered a talent for painting, frequently painting homes, storefronts, and leaving whimsical, painted rocks on neighbors' doorsteps with his signature sense of humor.
Above all else, Ed lived for his family. No matter what hardships arose, his guiding light was keeping his family together and ensuring his children were cared for. He proudly wore the names of his 5 children and 14 grandchildren tattooed on his forearm as a symbol of his devotion.
Ed is survived by his sister, Kristine, and her daughters, Kristine, Krystal, Stephanie, and Kara.
His legacy lives on through his children: Edwin Benson Jr. and his wife Tina, Michael John Benson, Jai Dolores Benson Phillips, Brian William Benson and his wife Danielle, and Barry Michael Benson and his wife Jen. He was the adored grandfather of 14 grandchildren: Brandon, Brittany and her husband Josh, Cora, Victoria, Cole, Cody, Kaylee, Michael, Reilly, Aidan, Erin, Emily, Brenna, and Baylee.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026, 12pm-4pm at 42 Wallkill Avenue, Montgomery, NY 12549.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Montgomery Fire Department, a Veterans support organization or the Humane Society in his honor.
A Note of Gratitude from Ed:
"To everyone who worked by my side over the years—whether you worked behind the counter, built shelves, put on a fresh coat of paint, fixed a roof, or handled the plumbing—thank you. To those who helped look after my children as they wandered the village while I worked 14-hour days, helped them get ready for school, cooked them meals, or found them fast asleep on the grocery shelves or hiding in the meat locker: you made this possible.
A special thanks to Dee, Leon, Joanne, Roxanne, Gigi, Allie, Bernice, Jon, Craig, Dennis, Bob, Jay, Sharron, Rayanne, Pam, Mema, Neal, John K, Danielle, Jen, Carol, Bonnie, Sam, Mary, Richie, Krissy, John Kn, Jimmy, Johan, Jeffrey, Steve, Dan, Roger, Eddie, Lance, Jason, Joey, Jill, Kenney, Mark P., Alan, and many more.
To all my close friends and loyal customers: Thank you for all the years of patronage. This village was my home, and I consider you all family."
Friends and community members are encouraged to come with their favorite stories, humor, and memories to celebrate a life exceptionally well-lived.
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.
For directions or condolences please visit millspaughfuneralhome.com.