Eric Benson
May 28, 1955 - February 3, 2026
Eric Benson, age 70, of Bear, DE, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, following a year-long journey with glioblastoma. He was surrounded by his girls – wife Kim, and daughters Jenny and Mary Kate.
Born in Aston, PA on May 28, 1955, he was the son of the late Ronald Keith and Ruth (Prenatt) Benson. He spent his early years in Roselle Park, NJ then made the Newark, DE area home for the remainder of his life. His membership at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Newark began as a teen and continued later in life as a member of the pre-school board. Cherished friends were met through his involvement with the church. A graduate of Christiana High School, he went on to the University of Delaware where he studied music and made lifelong friends as a refounding member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
Eric’s love of music led him to a career in the piano industry, as well as various leadership positions in the Delaware State Music Teachers Association. After retiring from Jacob’s Music, Eric and Kim enjoyed their newfound free time by traveling with friends and family, spending time at the beach – where Eric always enjoyed a day of fishing (successful or not), watching the Phillies, and working on home improvement projects.
Eric is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Kim (Bjork) Benson; daughters, Jenny Benson (Brett Smith), and Mary Kate Benson (Adam Krevchuck); brothers, Charles Benson (Ann), and Jeff Benson (Beth); sister-in-law, Karen Burns (David); as well as 5 nieces and nephews – Scott, Brian, and Garrett Benson, and Anna and Ryan Burns.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 noon on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, Delaware where a memorial service will begin at 12 noon. Inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eric’s memory to the Darren Daulton Foundation, 1339 Chestnut Street, Ste 500, Philadelphia, PA 19107, or online by clicking here, whose mission is to provide financial assistance to those suffering from primary malignant brain tumors; or the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to acknowledge the “village” that helped Eric throughout his illness – all of the wonderful friends and family who stepped in to help wherever they saw a need – a very sincere “thank you” to you all. To Delaware Hospice for their guidance and to Alex for the day-to-day care he provided with kindness.
Suzi Sappington
Mr. Benson, I’ll never forget coming over to your house for dinners and snapping along with you to Frank Sinatra. Thank you for trusting us to sell your pianos, even if we weren’t the best salespeople. Your daughter is one of my best friends, and the love she and your family all have for you is a testament to what a wonderful man you were. <3
Laura Walker
Our hearts go out to all of Eric’s family and friends as we struggle through this very sad time. His love for all of you will last forever. Know that we are praying for all of you.
The Walker Family
Kathy Cooper
Sam and I are so sorry to hear about Eric’s passing. We have lots of great memories with you all when we lived in DE. Sending lots of prayers and much love to you all.
Susan Lake
My sincere condolences to you and your family!
Scott Worgo
Our sincere condolences to your family. The Worgo’s
Bill Fanter
Kim, Jenny, and Mary Kate,
You all handled a very difficult ending to Eric’s journey with great aplomb, character and grace. He would be grateful but most of all he would be proud! It was important to all of you and you delivered. Bill and Cynde Fanter
Bob Fanter
Dear Kim and Jenny/Mary Kate. Eric would be very proud of the way you are managing all these challenges you have faced for the last year. These are difficult times for the family, I know, as we’ve been dealing with it for about 4 years. Your faith will get you through it along with all these challenges help from friends and family. Love to all from Mary and Bob.
Betty Frank
I was so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. Sending you my sincerest condolences to you and your family and my prayers for comfort and peace for you all.
Betty Frank
Beverly Murphy
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband and father. I pray God touches your broken hearts with His unfailing love. May His promise of eternal life give you comfort and hope in the days ahead. You are always in my prayers.
Ruta kenney
Jenny and family I am so sorry to hear of dad’s passing. He will always be with you
I will always keep him in my prayers
Marc LaBrasca
Thank you for mentioning our Fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha. If it were not for Eric there would not have been a PiKA at the University of Delaware. Eric was instrumental in recruiting members and leading our chapter. In the fifty years of our chapter hundreds of men became Brothers. Not one was more beloved than Eric Benson. We will all deeply miss Eric.
Dana Sutcliffe
Eric was a good friend of mine in high school. We played in concert band together. He was the kindest soul. Even though we never stayed in touch after high school I’ll always remember his kindness.
Dana
Lisa Phelps
Mary Kate I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Minnie Hutchison
Kim, I am so sorry for your loss and hope your memories bring you some solace. Love and hugs. 😘❤️😔
Mary Jane Papa’s
My deepest regards to Kim and her family. I know he will be missed. Mary Jane Papas 🙏
Michael Balabon
So saddened to hear of the passing of my big brother Eric.
Deepest condolences to the entire Benson family.
May the choir of angels lead you to paradise and grant you eternal life.
In fraternal bonds.
Hans Foster
To Kim, Jenny and Mary, I’m sorry for your. May Eric rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
My sincere condolences,
Hans Foster
Linda Willey-Impagliazzo
God bless Eric in his heavenly transition and comfort you and your family with treasured memories, strengthened faith to meet again, and endless Love.
Linda & Al
mary l richmond
Kim, I’m so sad, so sorry…for you and your girls. No words other than sorrow, sympathy, condolences, But I’m sure the many happy hours and experiences you shared with Eric will soon fill the spaces of the sadness and sorrow you all feel today. You’re in my thoughts.
Kelly Stoneman
Kim, Jenny and Mary Kate
My deepest sympathy to all of “Eric’s Girls”. Know that you are all in the hearts and prayers of many who are part of your village. Your strength, love and devotion this year has been a true testament of your strong bond and love. Let memories fill your heart with joy, friends to comfort you and your faith to bring you peace at this time. Grace unto you all.
Terry and Kelly
Birgit Canning
Kim and family, I am very sorry to hear this. My dad would visit Eric at Wilmington Piano and bought his last piano from him. He would tell me how knowledgeable and helpful he was. I, of course remember Eric from high school band and St. Pauls. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand. My sincerest condolences!
Joe Lesniak
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Eric in high school. He truly was a kind person.
Kate Regan
Hi Kim, I knew Eric through DSMTA and I participated in the Clavinova Frestivals that happened before Covid.
I liked Eric so much! What a nice, nice guy. So kind and helpful with a wonderful giggle. A light at board meetings.
I was surprised to receive the email from DSMTA letting us know that Eric had passed. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I will pray for you to have the grace you need.
Sincerely, Kate Regan
Deborah C Adams
I met Eric at Wilmington Piano Company, me a teacher, Eric a salesman. He was a kind, mild-mannered man who had a giving heart. He would willingly give me rides home from work when it was nighttime. At the time I had no car. I will lift prayers for his wife, Kim, and daughters. I am sure he will be sorely missed.