Carl W. Benson Jr., 83, formerly of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, December 25, 2024 in Sebastian, Florida.
He was supported by the loving presence of his girlfriend, Lorie Coots, and of family members both at his bedside and from afar.
Carl was born on September 30 th , 1941, in Waltham, Massachusetts, the son of Carl W. Benson Sr. and Alice Benson (nee Gustafson). An avid hot rodder, Carl helped create the Push Rods Car Club at Waltham High School in 1957, which still hosts classic car shows today.
He was married three times—twice to Donna Benson, with whom he remained good friends throughout his life, and once to Pat Benson, who predeceased him in 1988.
As the founder and owner of Professional Inventory Associates, Carl provided auto parts inventory services to dealerships across the Northeast for nearly four decades until his retirement in 2015. The business gave him an atlas-like knowledge of the roads affectionately referred to as the “Benson Positioning System,” and he was always quick to recommend the best pub to wait out a traffic jam.
An enthusiastic golfer, Carl was a member of the Portsmouth Country Club for many years, accumulating both friends and the occasional birdie on the course.
His travels through Germany sparked a life-long love for fine wine. He was at his happiest when grilling steaks for friends and family on the back porch of his house at Coach Lane in Hampton Falls, or when watching fireworks over the marsh while blasting Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.
Carl loved a good party. He couldn’t carry a tune. He danced anyway, especially if someone was playing Chicago.
His greatest source of joy was the immense love and pride he had for his family. He is survived by his children Laura Benson, Don Benson, Richard Benson, Jacquelyn Benson, Kate Benson, and Christine Mornick; his grandchildren Katie, Zac, Cameron, Carl, Eric, Nikki, Tula, Henry, Max, Camila, Elton, and Langston; and great-grandchildren Ender, Reid, Wren, Beck, Wesley, and Brooke; and his brother, Paul Benson. His is predeceased by his sister, Barbara Benson, and his grandson, Corey Meskil.
He will be remembered and profoundly missed by many others as well for his quirky words of wisdom, his irrepressible sense of fun, and his wide open heart.
Carl will be interred alongside his wife Pat Benson (d. 1988) in Hampton Falls. Dates and memorial service details to come.
