Charles Benjamin

“We cannot depend on the eloquence of the bureaucracy.

We cannot depend on the excellence of the academics.

We can only depend on the good conscious of man”

Charles Benjamin, also known as Cyril or Benjie, age 81, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, December 30, 2021.

Born in Guyana, South America, on July 17, 1940, he was a son of the late Joseph and Rose Benjamin. Charles received his early education at St. Mary De Virgin Anglican School, Guyana Technical Institute where he studied Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, he worked for L.B.I. Estate, Bookers Store, and Guyana Timbers Ltd. During his leisure time, he loved to listen to music and watch various movies, tv shows, and sports, specifically cricket, tennis, boxing, and football. Charles was a man of many traits; hardworking, calm, friendly, knowledgeable, outgoing, stubborn at most times, but overall, a human being.

He met the love of his life, the girl on his mind, Hortense Phillips, in March 1975. One year later, they were married. They had one daughter (Candace Benjamin). They were married for 45 ½ wonderful years.

A man of many skills and a jack of all trades, he was a family man, loving co-worker, avid gardener. Most of all, Charles will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and a wonderful, caring friend.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 ½ years, Hortense (Phillips) Benjamin; daughter, Candace Benjamin; siblings, Margaret Aaron, Compton Benjamin (Shirley), and Clement Benjamin (Pam); father and mother-in-law, Royston and Elsa Phillips; and brothers-in-law, Roger Phillips, Franklin Phillips, and their families and the late Andrew Phillips. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by 2 sisters and aunts, uncles, and numerous other family members.

The Benjamin family would like to thank the staff at CWE, especially Ray Okane, Rebecca, Maria, Darly, and Ophelia (OP); niece, Keola Phillips James; Mrs. Grace Blades, Berkeley Wharton, and Barbara F.; Auntie Janet and family; and Pastor Amy Wright from Hope Lutheran Church and her congregation. A special thanks also to the Staff at Season’s Hospice for their love and support shown to both Charles and his family during his final months, including his case manager, Madison, Christina, Roxanne, and Chaplain William Irons.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 pm until 1 pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 1 pm. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine. Interment will be held privately.

Any family members or friends who are unable to attend the services for Benjamin can live stream the service by clicking here.