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Lisa Facteau
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Dave Hyde posted a condolence
Monday, February 26, 2018
Joe has meant so much for so many....continue on your journey Coach ...
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Paula Glogowski lit a candle
Monday, February 26, 2018
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I've had the pleasure of knowing Joe and Lois since 2006. Joe always had a kind words for me, was great at asking questions and the really listening. He always brought out the best in people. He understood teenage boys very well. (I'm sure teenagers in general). I experienced this first hand with my son Luke. He always told me what a great young man he was. Saw the hard work and kindness in my son. Joe never missed the opportunity to tell you the positives in people. What a wonderfully kind human being. I will miss you , Joe. I know Luke will too.
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Carl clark posted a condolence
Monday, February 26, 2018
I would have never made it through high school with out Joe bena , his shop classes were the highlight of the weeks in school, always there to help , that was in the mid seventies, didn't see him for many years till I ran into him at the car races in Malta on Friday nights . I told him how his class helped me graduate , he was always a great guy . Never saw him lose his temper . Always told you the way it was . Just a great guy. R I p
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Scott Bendett posted a condolence
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Wishing you peace and grace during this difficult time. I am so grateful to have known Coach Bena and have him as a part of my family’s life. May your fond memories of him comfort you all always.
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David J Kavanaugh posted a condolence
Sunday, February 25, 2018
I had Joe Bena in auto shop in high school. With Mr. Bena, I learned Zen and the art of automotive maintenance,....and kindness. Back in the early seventies, Mathew Galvez and I were coming back from someplace in his Triumph TR4. It became clear that Matt's car needed a certain part (I forget which part) in order to continue. We stopped by Joe Bena's house at about 9:30pm on a Sunday (as I recall). Mr. Bena had a Triumph TR3 at the time. When Mathew explained the situation, Joe said, "Oh, okay, here you go". Those who knew Joe, would have not have found this to be extraordinary.Joe would stop by Arthur Freitag's garage back when I was employed there as a Volkswagen fixer. I have fond memories of those encounters. I would see him at auto shows in the 1990's, by then he was driving the Morgan.
Unfortunately, the last time I saw him was at Jeff Blatnick's wake. In a brief shout out to Jeff, I remember being impressed by the many walks of life from which the mourners had come from. There were lawyers, firemen, punk band drummers, and, of course, wrestlers to name a few. When it came to inherit goodness Joe, sort of, reminded me of Fred Rogers. Like Jeff Blatnick, Joe had touched many people, from many walks of life. God bless the Bena family and loved ones and God Speed for a life, well lived.
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Lisa Facteau purchased flowers
Saturday, February 24, 2018
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Lisa(Bena) Facteau posted a condolence
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Aunt Lois and family,
I send my sincere condolences to all. I am very proud to have had such a deep and caring Uncle. I will cherish every memory and never forget how much you all have done for me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will miss you Uncle Joe. Till we meet again, Godspeed!
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David J. Kavanaugh posted a condolence
Saturday, February 24, 2018
I had Joe Bena in auto shop in high school. With Mr. Bena, I learned Zen, and the art of automotive maintenance,...and kindness. Back in the early seventies, Mathew Galvez and I were coming home from someplace in his Triumph TR4. It became clear that Matt's car was in need of a certain part (I forgot which part) in order to continue. We stopped at Joe Bena's house at about 9:30pm on a Sunday (as I recall). Mr. Bena had a Triumph TR3 at the time. When Mathew explained the situation Joe said "Oh, okay, here you go". Those who knew Joe would not have found this to be extraordinary. One of my many jobs, over the years, involved repairing VW's at Arthur Freitag's garage. Joe would stop by from time to time. I have fond memories of those encounters. I would see him at auto shows in the 1990's. By then he was driving a Morgan (of course). Unfortunately, the last time I saw him was at Jeff Blatnick's wake. In a brief shout out to Jeff, I remember being impressed by the many walks of life from which the mourners had come from. There were lawyers, firemen, punk band drummers, and, of course, wrestlers, to name a few. Joe, as you know, had a way of inspiring people. In 1972, he was in need of someone to compete in the heavyweight class. While searching the halls (of NHS) he came upon this big, happy go lucky, kid (Jeff) and convinced him to try out. As you know, the rest is history. I'm not a person who's prone to magical thinking. However, occasionally, it appears that we have angels walking among us, take Fred Rogers for example. Joe Bena may have been another example, I suppose. I know that this sounds like hypervelry, but there you have it.
The point is, like Jeff Blatnick, Joe Bena has touched many people, from many walks of life. He will, most certainly, be missed. God speed!
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Eric Barber posted a condolence
Saturday, February 24, 2018
I grew up in Alplaus and every time I ran across coach Bena he always had a kind word and a big smile. I will miss seeing him and his great cars driving through town. RIP coach. You leave behind great memories! My condolences to his family and friends.
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Scott Legacy purchased flowers
Thursday, February 22, 2018
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Anne and Enzo Pantano posted a condolence
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Dear Lois and Family,
It was with great sorrow we read of Joseph's passing via the Gazette online as we are now living in Florida. Please be assured if we were in Schenectady, we would have paid our respects in person.
We send our sincere sympathy and prayers to you and your family.
Love,
Anne and Enzo Pantano
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Sharon Scolaro posted a condolence
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Our sons had the privilege to have Coach Bena as their wrestling coach in Nisksyuna. He was a remarkable man who positively impacted so many young lives. We are so sorry for your loss.
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James Harris posted a condolence
Thursday, February 22, 2018
To the Bena Family,
Sending my father to heaven a few years ago was a difficult time, with sadness for our loss and happiness that he was in a better place. I know you all will have the same emotions at the occasion of Joe's passing. The memories of so many special times spent with your family in Alplaus, at a wrestling event or countless other events our families shared are always cherished.
The impact of Joe Bena on my life goes well beyond the wrestling mat. Joe Jr. and I were in the same class at Niskayuna, Aimee and Charlie were finishing up at Buffalo when I started there. John and Michael were the younger boys around town when we needed an extra player for a pick-up game. I am sure you will all be there for Lois and each other as you remember the life of Joe Bena and move forward with the Lord's plan for your own lives.
James Harris
Niskayuna Class of 1986
Palatine, IL
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Ceferino Villafuerte purchased flowers
Thursday, February 22, 2018
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Mike and Chris poplaski posted a condolence
Thursday, February 22, 2018
To the Bena family...our heartfelt condolences to all of you on the loss of a wonderful man. I am honored to have called Joe a coach and friend during many years of wrestling...all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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E.T. Fay posted a condolence
Thursday, February 22, 2018
My words cannot express the influence and spirit Coach Bena put upon my life and my outlook on life. He always had a soothing and comforting way about him every time we spoke. I'm thankful for having the experience of him in my life, and I'm sure his ways will go on for years through both his family and friends. So sorry for your family's loss.
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Bill Smith posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
There were several men I met as coaches in my career at Queensbury. Most were men of character , conscience , integrity , and sportsmanship. Few were all of these so those who did embody all those attributes stood out as gentlemen of the sport. Joe Bena was one of those " gentlemen " of the sport. ( Not that he was gentle in any way to his opponents). Many expressions of his impact on all people he met will be better made than mine .
I want to throw a bouquet toward Lois and recognize her as the strength behind Joe that many saw and recognized. Joe had that added pleasure of having all members of his family as another "team". Some Smiths wrestled some Benas on occasions and Joe and I enjoyed being fathers and coaches at the same time.
Take heart , Lois. You and your sons will always have that bond .
May God Bless all of you.
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Ron Abigail posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Coach Bena positively impacted my life more than any man except my father. I will always be a proud Niskayuna wrestler. Coach made me want to try harder and give it my all. He made me confident. He taught me sportsmanship. I could go on and on with all that was learned from a great coach. A great man. A great leader.
A special thanks to his entire family, especially Mrs. Bena, who always referred to everyone as "Our wrestling family". Thank you for unselfishly sharing Coach Bena with us. He turned many boys into men.
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Whitehall Wrestling Inc. purchased flowers
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
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Kevin Rockefeller posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
It was a true honor to have coached at Niskayuna High School with a man so well liked and respected as coach Bena. Not only was he a friend but a mentor as well as an inspiration. He made you feel important. There were times I would take my sons to wrestling practice and coach treated them as if they were his own. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. Unfortunately I won't be there to pay my respects but, Lois and family, know that I will be thinking of you during this difficult time.
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bob Santa Lucia posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
I didn't know joe as a coach,but knew him as a fellow old car
lover,he was in the Early Ford V8 club. Joe was a great person
and everyone enjoyed his life stories.
He will be sorely missed by all the members of our club
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Betty Betz posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Dear Lois and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. After reading about him you can be proud of his life, both in service to his country, students and family. It was a pleasure to have met him and see him smile as he showed me the "Morgan" in your garage on one of my visits to work on the guild raffle quilt so long ago. You have many wonderful memories. Take care.
Love Betty
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Tina Nyland posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
A man who touched so many and made such a difference to all who were blessed to know him. May his wonderful memories live on through all of you. May he rest in peace. My deepest sympathy.
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Nick Cioffi posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Coach, You were the only wrestling coach I had freshman through my senior year 1970-1974. Those were the foundation years at NHS. From the robes to who will ever forget wrestling under the lights. No other Section II team came close to us. It was your vision, dedication to us "kids" that made us the men we are today. You'll be missed but never forgotten!
Nick Cioffi
Star, Idaho
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Scott Legacy posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
To the entire Bena Family:
Coach Bena impacted so many people as you know. I remember meeting him as a wrestler when Mt. Anthony attended the suburban council tournament and we did home stays with Niskyuana wrestlers. I stayed with Andy Seras. Years later I attended Oswego State and he knew it and kept in touch with me, from there we became colleagues as coaches and later in his career traveled to Minnesota togheter arranged by Korey Rogotzke. What a great man,father coach and legend. He will be missed.
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Liz Coleman posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
My condolences to the Bena family. I remember Joe (Mr.Bena to me) from my ice skating days with his daughter Aimee. He was such a nice man and a great Dad.
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Nigel Mumford posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
God bless the Bena family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending
Love and condlolences... I had some good conversations with Joe at a
Couple of cars shows... good man. Rest In Peace Joe.
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Sandy Shoor posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
What a sense of emptiness. I have so much to thank Joe for.
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Arthur Gage Middletown Wrestling Coach posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Joe and I were competitive coaches when he was in Newburgh. Actually I was happy when he went to Niskajuna because he always beat me. We actually roomed together a few years at the NewYorkState Tournament and became good friends. He was a great man, a great coach and friend. My prayers go out to all his loved ones.
Art Gage- Retired Middletown High School, NY Wrestling Coach
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Bill Bena posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
RIP Uncle Joe. Aunt Lois & family our prayers are with you.
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art cardi posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
What a wonderful life you have had--a great tribute to you and--your wonderful family--and--all who have been an associate of yours thru the years including me --and my family--both of us being from Ballston Spa--Of course you will be missed --but I can't wait to see you again --I will always be praying for your soul Joe--God Bless You --and-- your family as you begin your new journey ----
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art cardi posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
What a wonderful life you have had--a great tribute to you and--your wonderful family--and--all who have been an associate of yours thru the years including me --and my family--both of us being from Ballston Spa--Of course you will be missed --but I can't wait to see you again --I will always be praying for your soul Joe--God Bless You --and-- your family as you begin your new journey ----
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Patricia McCauley posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
My sincere condolences to all Mr Benas family and friends. I remember him so fondly from Niskayuna. I was an avid fan of the wrestling team and spent many an hour watching his teams. I was so impressed with his calm, caring demeanor and with the love and respect he instilled in the team.
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Todd J Bristol lit a candle
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
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As a student back in High School I wasn't particularly into the teacher 'liking" mode but THIS Man, this man was different! He was both a STRONG and gentle soul that really took an interest in us. Godspeed Joe Bena and THANKS!
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Shawn Legacy posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
It’s sad to see the passing of such an incredible man. I met joe when I was young wrestling for Mt. Anthony . When we wrestled a joe Bena coached team we knew it was going to be a battle. You need to bring your A game. More than that , win or lose, joe took time to know you off the mat. He always recognized you at other competitions and always spoke . He cared about competitors like he did his own team . He embraced the true meaning of a coaches coach and would be there for anyone in need . He also built a great family tree from his past wrestlers that he should be very proud of. Prayers to his family and may he Rest In Peace .
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Edward McDonnell posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Enter heaven with all the joy and humility that guided you through life and take your place in God’s banquet room where you will be honored as one who belongs
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Maria Longo lit a candle
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
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RIP Coach, it was a pleasure working with you.
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Elaine Krum posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Condolences to Lois and family. Leading young men from boyhood into manhood is what every coach tries to do, Joe was the best.
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Deacon Greg and Trudy Bailey posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Our prayers and thoughts are with the whole family. Although we did not have the privilege of knowing Joe, we do know from all that has been said about Joe, he must have been a wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and honored Navy Veteran. For how could Joe, be anyone else, being cut from the strong fabric that makes up the entire Bena Family. Rest assured, Joe is at rest in the loving arms of our Lord. May God's love and compassion be upon you all as you face the days ahead. Amen.
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Nancy Stenglein posted a condolence
Monday, February 19, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Bena Family, the world has lost a giant of a man and the best section ll coach. Even though my three wrestlers were always on the opposite site of the mat it was nice to have Coach Bena in your corner off the mat. We loved him from the first time we met and will always treasure our memories of him and his wife Lois. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family at this sad time. Sincerely Conrad,Nancy Stenglein Kristie Davis,Matt and Josh and families.
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Lorianne Petschel Plummer lit a candle
Monday, February 19, 2018
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Lorianne Petschel Plummer posted a condolence
Monday, February 19, 2018
i am so sorry for your loss~ he is rejoicing with my Dad Michael Petschel, Zack's grandfather.. love to each of you!
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Patrick LaRow lit a candle
Monday, February 19, 2018
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Frank A Popolizio posted a condolence
Monday, February 19, 2018
I had the greatest honor of all, spending most of my life under his tutelage . I learned important lessons about integrity, honor, respect, work ethic, kindness, inclusiveness, humility and reconciliation. He was the man among men!
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Monday, February 19, 2018
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The family of Joseph A. Bena uploaded a photo
Monday, February 19, 2018
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