Charles “Chuck” David Benzo passed peacefully at home with his family by his side, after courageously fighting pancreatic cancer for three years. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth (Surgenor) & Charles Benzo, brothers Alan Benzo and Dewey Pinnell, mother- and father-in-law JoAnn & George Creegan, and sister-in-law and friend, Mary Elaine Feist. 

Chuck is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Joanie, and his three children, their partners and five grandchildren: Jenny & Teddy Sander and Cory Safreed; Catie, Kenny, Archie, and Leo Mirkin; Joe, Alyssa, Millie & Lainey Benzo.

Chuck was born to Elizabeth and Charles Benzo in Steubenville, Ohio. He grew up with his brother Alan on the hilltop where they made friends with the neighborhood kids, including his future wife Joanie, on Belleview Boulevard.  Chuck played trombone in the marching band and jazz band at Big Red High School. In the fall of 1975, Chuck attended “The” Ohio State University and will forever be a proud Buckeye. He earned his degree in Pharmacy in 1980.

Chuck and Joanie married in 1986 and gave birth to their first baby, Jennifer Elizabeth in 1987. They moved from Mingo Junction to Canton in 1989 and have lived in the same house on Brunnerdale ever since. Their second child, Caitlyn Carmela, was born in 1991 and their third and final, Joseph Charles, in 1993. Chuck worked tirelessly to maintain the backyard and the pool for Joanie, the kids, and all their family and friends (while taking a ceremonial plunge once per season). He built a massive playset from scratch that the children enjoyed for many years. He has remodeled every room in the home, teaching himself as he went along. In all his projects, his thoroughness and attention to detail were unmatched. He was a handyman extraordinaire, avid bird watcher, and computer whiz, earning a Computer Science degree from Stark State whilst working at the pharmacy and raising his children.

Chuck was a dedicated pharmacist, retiring from Wal-mart in 2017. He was fondly nick-named Eeyore by his coworkers-turned-friends at the Millersburg store for his melancholic, unhurried, and kind disposition. He was grateful for their friendship, making the commute worth it. In retirement, Chuck stayed busy, especially with his children and grandchildren. He became an amateur reseller, searching antique shops and estate sales for treasures. He had his own eBay store and took great pride in his high customer satisfaction rating. He recently rediscovered his talent and love for decoy duck carving. He had hoped to enter a contest in Cleveland this past March.

Chuck thoroughly enjoyed his travels with his wife, his family, and his friends. Hilton Head Island, Marco Island, Palm Beach, St. Thomas, and trips out West were among his favorites. He was always searching for the best spot to watch the sunset and would find those “cheap eats near me” during his travels. He was a lover of music, especially Classic Rock. Chuck enjoyed the Eagles, the Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Billy Joel, and Fleetwood Mac to name a few. You could always find him tapping his feet and humming along to some good tunes.

Chuck’s greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren.  Lovingly called “Papa” by his grandkids, he beamed in their presence. You could often find him on the floor building Legos with Teddy, taking tractor rides with Archie, reading books with Millie, and holding and smiling at little Leo and baby Lainey. He also got to see ultrasounds of his soon-to-be 6th grandbaby, Charlotte (“Charlie” - his namesake). He spent his life loving and supporting his children in everything they did. He sat at the kitchen counter doing timestables, helped with school projects, and attended every event, match, and game. As the kids grew up, he was there for the heartbreaks, life lessons, and new beginnings. He fixed up every new apartment, leveled every shelf, centered every frame, and meticulously hung each curtain.

Chuck was loved by many. Sister- and brother-in-law Kathy & Joe Purcell, brother-in-law Tom Feist, brother- and sister-in-law Sean & Jean Creegan, niece Christine (Michael) and nephews Christopher (Claudia) , Sean Ryan (Jessica), Michael, Ian (Lorianne), Kyle (Nancie), and Elliott (Melissa) all held a very tender place in Chuck’s heart. Joanie and Chuck’s friends Dave & Mary Grace Bernert, Vickie Dowd, Mac & Betty MacLean, Jenny & Mike Maggio, Tammy Renner, and Bob & Chris Shannon have been sources of refuge and joy.

He was described by those who loved him as steadfast, humble, selfless, and a constant, grounded presence. He had a dry sense of humor and always had everyone laughing with his quick-witted remarks. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke you were sure to listen to his wisdom. 

As Chuck reflected on his life during his final weeks, he shared lessons he learned: don’t wait for the perfect time, just do “it” - whatever “it” may be. Another lesson he lived out every day: actions often speak louder than words. During his life, he showed his love by showing up - every time, all the time - and he did it with devotion and love. He helped everyone tirelessly, putting others before himself. His greatest lesson was teaching his children how to love - demonstrated each day by how he cared for and loved Joanie. Their marriage was a testament to true love, choosing one another day after day and year after year. His quiet temperament perfectly balanced her outgoing spirit. His patience grounded her and he listened to her without judgment. They enjoyed walking their dog Georginia at the park together, binging new shows on the couch, and living life together in all its beauty. They would be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this August.

Joanie and the kids would like to thank everyone who has supported them through Chuck’s journey with cancer, including Dr. Winter and the staff at Seidman Cancer Center, Aultman Hospice, and Heitger Funeral Home. The family will not be holding funeral services per Chuck’s wishes. Details for his Celebration of Life will be shared separately.

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