Douglas R. Benton's Obituary
Douglas Richard Benton, (born November 11, 1946), departed this life for his next adventure on September 21, 2022. Doug was born in Hartford, CT to Sally (Gavis) Benton and Kenneth Benton - the youngest of four sons. He attended Hartford schools including Hartford Public High. Following a family move, Doug graduated from Windsor High School before enlisting in the United States Navy and serving on the USS Turner Joy during the Vietnam era. He attended college on the GI Bill graduating at the top of his class at Central Connecticut College. Doug worked as an ice cream deliveryman for a short time to help his dad, worked at The Hartford Insurance, then as a salesman before opening his own company - Crab Hole Office Furniture in Newington, CT. Along the way, Doug married his life partner, Phyllis (Parizek) Benton and embarked on a journey of many small and large wonders. He always disliked the cold and built a small house on St. John in the US Virgin Islands which became a home of much light and love and his happy place. He started up and successfully ran Crabby’s Watersports in Coral Bay and was active in the community. He was a member of the American Legion Post 131 based in Coral Bay and served as post commander for a time. He helped establish a relationship with Team River Runner based at Walter Reed Army Hospital supporting efforts to bring wounded veterans to St. John for healing through kayaking. Doug enjoyed the simple things including walks in St. John and Willington, CT, swimming in the sea, morning snorkels, gardening, pottery, music and also helped rehabilitate wild birds as part of St. John Wildlife Rehabilitation. He was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers, Kenny and Steve, and is survived by his brother, Greg, and special sister-in-law, Marie. He leaves his wife, Phyllis, mother-in-law and partner in pizza, Sophie Parizek, and sister-in-law, Sally Barbieri and her husband Larry. He leaves his niece and nephews whom he loved like his own: godson, David Benton, Jonathan, Jeff, Willington Dave, Kevin, Lori Wright, Ron, and Rick. He also leaves his many lifelong friends from the Hartford years - Richie, Steve, Joe Ryan, Concrete Joe, McBride, Claffey, and Billy and Holly, and his many close island friends including those from Trivia Night, the American Legion, Skinny’s, and the pottery studio. Doug is grateful for the medical care he received over the years which gave him extra time with us and for the care and respect he received as he readied to move on from this life. And we wish to thank everyone who has prayed for us, visited or contacted Doug and kept us in their thoughts. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Doug's name to St. John Wildlife Rehabilitation, St. John Rescue, or a charity of your choice. Doug lived his dream and enjoyed helping and being kind to others. He brought joy to many and will be greatly missed. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 11 A.M. at Willington Hill Cemetery, Rte. 74 Tolland Turnpike, Willington, CT.
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