Samuel “Sam” Lucas Benick – Webster, NY – October 18, 2019, 70 years old – predeceased by his parents Lucas and Vera Benick; survived by his brothers George and Paul, nephew Michael Benick, many cousins and dear friends.
Sam was born in Rochester and graduated from West High School. He studied at MCC and Nazareth College and held various jobs at Wegman’s, the Rochester City School District and in the landscaping business. Sam was a life-long student and learner. He was a writer, poet, artist, photographer and philosopher. He wanted to know the How and Why of everything and earnestly sought the answers to his questions. He will be sorely missed.
A Memorial Celebration of Sam’s life will be held on Saturday, December 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Penfield Wesleyan Church, 1580 Five Mile Line Road, Penfield. Sam’s Christian faith was his Love and Support – Memorial contributions can be made to Penfield Wesleyan Church, http://www.penfieldwesleyan.
Our family met Sam several years ago at New Hope Free Methodist Church. My husband Brian and Sam were close friends and met for breakfast on Saturday mornings for several years. Sam frequently gave Brian items from his many treasured collections and loved to share information about his latest finds. Brian & Sam shared a love for God, music, science and philosophy. After Brian passed away, Sam called every week to check in on Nina and me and he prayed for us on a regular basis. Sam was a faithful Christian with a brilliant mind and a kind heart. We miss his presence on earth but are thankful that he is with the Lord in heaven!
Thankful for God’s mercy and the peace He has brought Sam. Sam can now continue visits with my dad, Bob Painton, up in Heaven.
Sam and I were best buddies after attending both West High School and MCC together. We even shared an apartment for a year at Rustic Village back in 1979-1980, during which time we played a lot of golf and a lot of chess together. Not surprisingly, Sam was skilled at both. He was a good guy, and I’m saddened to hear of his passing.
I am shocked to hear of Sam’s passing. I’ve know him for years as we live in the same complex and I met him through Beth Berl when I started attending New Hope. I saw him at the thrift store a few months ago and he told me he had turned 70. He seemed so happy and upbeat that day and I’ll treasure that last memory of him. I wish I’d found out sooner so I could have attended his memorial service.
I, too, wish I had known of his passing in time to attend his memorial service and cry with his many friends. I just found out yesterday when his Christmas card was returned by the post office. I am sure there are a lot of people who would have attended the service if they had known of it. I hope they will leave condolences here for the comfort of all. Sam had a heart of gold. He was kind, caring, sensitive, and a real Christian. He was a good friend to my family and me for many years. I think I am going to write a piece about him at my author’s blog, https://christinagwaldman.com in the near future. He took the photograph for the back cover of my book. I would love it if his brother would connect with me through my website (please), at his convenience. George and Paul, I am so sorry for your loss. Sam was a beautiful soul. He is in a better place. We loved you, Sammie.
Sam was a good friend of my family and used to play with me when I was a kid. I still remember him making me laugh with Miss Piggy and Kermit hand puppets when I was little. I found some of his politics tough as an adult, but I always loved and cared for him. He was a kind, honest, inquisitive person who loved to make art and lived by his faith. He had such a good heart. I can’t believe he’s gone. He will be missed.