Michael J. Benya

Michael J. Benya, born September 21, 1936, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the late Michael and Mary (Patzak) Benya, passed away on March 6, 2026.

A graduate of Campbell Memorial High School in 1954, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University in 1958, followed by graduate degrees from The Catholic University of America in 1962 and Assumption University in 1976. He dedicated 26 years of his career to the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, continuing after retirement as a passionate advocate for people with disabilities.

His Catholic Christian faith guided his life. He remained an active member of his church and gave generously of his time to community service. Michael cherished his family above all, and found joy in sports, gardening, classical music, and reading.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Steve and Anne of Campbell, Ohio, and Mary Conrad of Cincinnati, Ohio, and his beloved wife of nearly 45 years, Carole (Rolland) Benya. He is survived by his children, Timothy Farcas and his wife Sumalee of Fairfield, California, Heidi Balben and her husband Larry of Franklinton, North Carolina, and Rebecca Benya-Soderbom and her husband John Soderbom of Bridgewater, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and by his nephews David Conrad and Dale Conrad and niece Dianna McKenna of the Cincinnati area.