John F. Bench

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
June 11, 2009

BENCH REV.

JOHN F.

Reverend John F. Bench, 70, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2009 in Englewood, FL after a six-year battle with bone marrow cancer. Father Bench was the son of the late John & Marie (Schmidt) Bench; beloved brother of Laura (Bench) St. Mars, Joan (Bench) Predmore, Stephen Bench, Mary (Bench) McCague; and uncle of Mary Patricia (Predmore) Hayse, James Predmore, Michael Predmore, Stevie Bench, Galen Blyth and Jeremy Blyth. Father Bench was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest on May 9, 1964. He served as parochial vicar at St. Henry in Mt. Oliver (1964-1971) and St. Edward in Blawnox (1971-1976), and served as pastor at St. Joseph in Mt. Oliver until 1980, at which time he relocated to the Diocese of Charleston, SC. In the Charleston Diocese, Father Bench administered to a number of parishes, including St. Mary on Yonges Island, St. Boniface in Joanna, Holy Spirit in Laurens, St. Leo Mission in Andrews, and the Mission Parish on Pawley's Island. He served as pastor to St. Mary in Georgetown (1988-1989) and Holy Cross in Pickens (1989-1994). In addition, he served as chaplain to the Clinton Rehabilitation Center and the Knights of Columbus, and as Episcopal Vicar of the Pee Dee. In 1990, as director and coordinator of Evangelization in the Diocese of Charleston, he worked on and developed the Evangelization Book for the Diocese. Friends received Friday 2-9PM in St. John Vianney Church, 225 Allen St., Allentown (Pgh.) where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 10AM. Memorial contributions may be sent to Catholic Charities in Pittsburgh and/or Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Charleston in favor of The Neighborhood House. Arrangements by the FARNSWORTH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-381-3337. Online condolences at www.farnsworthfuneralhome.net
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