Joseph was a graduate of Queen of Peace School, Althoff Catholic High School, and the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA. After school he worked for CETA in Belleville, then moved to Edwardsville. While he was fixing up his own house there, he became interested in real estate. He was a real estate broker and owned his own business. He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish.
Throughout his life, Joseph was funny and generous and helped many people. He loved his family; and he enjoyed time with his friends, his big dogs (whom he had rescued), his books, college basketball, and traveling.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph P. and Rita, nee Guinane, Benson; and his younger brother, John M. Benson.
Surviving are his older sister, Mary-rita Benson (husband, Cmdr. Eugene Pinkelmann) of Fairview Heights, IL, and Annandale, VA.
The family is most grateful to Dr. Brad Ringhofer and Dr. John English and all their associates for their care and kindness throughout the years. They also thank the many people at Memorial Hospital who were so helpful and kind and who made Joseph smile.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society, Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois, Holy Trinity, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL, with Father James Nall officiating.
Burial will be held at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.