Obituary of Joseph A. Bena

Joseph Anton Bena, age 79, went to be with his Lord on February 17, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by Lois, his wife of 53 years; his daughter Aimee (Charles) French of Glenville; sons Joseph Bena Jr. of Atlanta, GA, John Bena of Annandale VA, Michael (Jessica) Bena of Salida, CO; grandchildren, Charles French Jr. of Albany, Anna (Zack) Port, Eli, Isaac, David and Daniel French, Luke Bena, great-grandson Finnian Joseph Port, brother Rt. Reverend David J. Bena (MaryEllen) of Baldwinsville, NY, sister Elizabeth Fantauzzi (Anthony) of Apollo Beach, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe is predeceased by his father John A. Bena, his mother Mary T. Bena, brothers John Bena and Robert Bena and sister Dolores Harran. Joe was born at home September 4, 1938, in Bacon Hill, New York. He had the now rare experience of attending a one-room country school for his first six years of education.  Later he attended Schuylerville Central School and completed high school in Ballston Spa, graduating in 1956.  Joe joined the U.S. Navy after graduation, serving from 1956 to 1959.

            After discharge from the Navy, Joe attended Hudson Valley Community College in the automotive technology program.  He completed his Bachelors degree in Industrial Arts Education at SUNY Oswego in 1964, and his Masters degree in Education Administration at Central Connecticut College in 1973. Joe’s first job after college was at a veteran’s hospital in Fishkill, NY.  As a manual arts therapist, he assisted veterans in their transition from illness to feeling useful in life.

            In 1966, he began to teach Industrial Arts at South Junior High School in Newburgh, N.Y.  While there, he unexpectedly began a parallel career as a wrestling coach.  Recruited by the Newburgh athletic director, Joe coached his first team at Newburgh Free Academy in 1966.  After building a strong team at NFA in three years, he moved back to the Capital District area and began teaching Industrial Arts at Niskayuna High School, where he continued to coach wrestling.  Although Joe was best known for his coaching accomplishments, he was also serious about his field of study, and served as President of the Capital District Industrial Arts Association.

            During his career as wrestling coach, Joe collected a New York State unequaled record of 674 wins. He also earned titles of Gold Coach and Coach of the Year from local, state and national organizations and was voted Section 2 Coach of the year 11 times. Joe’s teams won league championships for 26 years of his tenure, with 22 of those undefeated in league competition. Joe is also a member of five Halls of Fame: Section 2 Hall of Fame, New York State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Oswego College Athletic Hall of Fame, and Ballston Spa High School Athletic Hall of Fame.  He coached 13 New York State Champions and future All-Americans (19), and two Olympians (Jeff Blatnick, Andy Seras).

               Some of Joe’s wrestlers have become coaches, and have told him that they try to emulate his way of achieving excellence by using encouragement. While he had many wins, records and awards to his credit, his legacy extends far beyond the mat.  He mentored hundreds of young men and women through the years, many of whom regarded him as a trusted family member, and were always welcome at the family's table. He saw the best in everyone, was relentlessly positive, and made people believe in themselves. Whether he was in the gym, a high school, a hospital or a doctor's office, Joe made friends within minutes, as he enjoyed learning about people's lives, and encouraging them. 

            Joe enjoyed every season of his life, from boyhood on the farm and time served in the U.S. Navy to teaching and coaching and parenthood, which brought him the role of revered grandfather.  Joe never lost his love for automobiles, especially his British cars (1960 Triumph, 1959 Morgan). He studied and taught auto technology, and was a natural born teacher in that area. Joe also enjoyed doing repairs on his house and all his cars, and believed he could fix anything. His grandchildren were the highlight of his life, and his favorite activity was driving with his wife on roads they had never traveled, both far and near.

            The family would like to extend thanks to The Community Hospice, friends, neighbors and the wrestling community who have offered unending support.  Donations in Joe’s honor can be made to City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305.

            Visiting hours will be on Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville, NY 12302.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 10 am at Faith Church, 11 Glenridge Road, Rexford, NY 12148.  As requested by Coach Bena, everyone is invited to join the family for a reception at the church following the funeral service.