1957
Rory
2025
Rory E. Benkleman
February 21, 1957 — December 19, 2025
North Java
Rory E. Benkleman, a beloved member of the North Java community, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19th, 2025, at the age of 68. He was a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend who touched the lives of many with his warmth, generosity, and wisdom.
Rory is survived by his devoted wife, Carol A. Benkleman, with whom he shared nearly 40 years of marriage, and his beloved children, Holly, Adam, and Jenna. Rory is also survived by his siblings, Richard (Brenda) Benkleman of Cheektowaga, Robert (Marie) Benkleman of Lancaster, and Laurie Ucasz of Cheektowaga, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and many close and dear friends, which he considered family.
Rory was predeceased by his parents, Richard Benkleman and Judith (Edward) Ucasz.
After graduating from Lancaster Central High School in 1975, Rory proudly served his country in the Air Force until 1979, where he was an aircraft maintenance specialist. He then became a heavy equipment operator in the Air Force National Guard until 1981.
As a dedicated professional, Rory worked at many places throughout his life, including Mesmer Refrigeration in Buffalo and Moog Inc. in East Aurora. He also owned his own HVAC and machining companies. His last position was as a teacher's aide for Metal Trades at the Mount Morris BOCES.
Rory was a social butterfly who brought joy to everyone he met. For over 40 years, he delighted in playing Santa Claus for the local communities, businesses, and friends, spreading holiday cheer with his infectious spirit. His philosophy was "we can do it your way, but let me show you how it should be done." Throughout his life, Rory had a passion for scuba diving, bowling, riding motorcycles, camping, cutting firewood, operating his "big boy toys" (backhoe, excavator, bulldozer), using his laser engraver and being in his machine shop, hunting, golfing, attending veteran events, and eating. As a true "foodie," he was an ad-lib cooker and wouldn't let anyone leave the house hungry.
There will be no services at this time, per Rory's request. A celebration of his life is tentatively being planned at the North Java Fire Hall in 2026, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory and the indelible mark he left on their lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011 or the North Java Fire Company PO Box 137, North Java, NY 14113 in Rory's memory.
Rory is survived by his devoted wife, Carol A. Benkleman, with whom he shared nearly 40 years of marriage, and his beloved children, Holly, Adam, and Jenna. Rory is also survived by his siblings, Richard (Brenda) Benkleman of Cheektowaga, Robert (Marie) Benkleman of Lancaster, and Laurie Ucasz of Cheektowaga, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and many close and dear friends, which he considered family.
Rory was predeceased by his parents, Richard Benkleman and Judith (Edward) Ucasz.
After graduating from Lancaster Central High School in 1975, Rory proudly served his country in the Air Force until 1979, where he was an aircraft maintenance specialist. He then became a heavy equipment operator in the Air Force National Guard until 1981.
As a dedicated professional, Rory worked at many places throughout his life, including Mesmer Refrigeration in Buffalo and Moog Inc. in East Aurora. He also owned his own HVAC and machining companies. His last position was as a teacher's aide for Metal Trades at the Mount Morris BOCES.
Rory was a social butterfly who brought joy to everyone he met. For over 40 years, he delighted in playing Santa Claus for the local communities, businesses, and friends, spreading holiday cheer with his infectious spirit. His philosophy was "we can do it your way, but let me show you how it should be done." Throughout his life, Rory had a passion for scuba diving, bowling, riding motorcycles, camping, cutting firewood, operating his "big boy toys" (backhoe, excavator, bulldozer), using his laser engraver and being in his machine shop, hunting, golfing, attending veteran events, and eating. As a true "foodie," he was an ad-lib cooker and wouldn't let anyone leave the house hungry.
There will be no services at this time, per Rory's request. A celebration of his life is tentatively being planned at the North Java Fire Hall in 2026, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory and the indelible mark he left on their lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011 or the North Java Fire Company PO Box 137, North Java, NY 14113 in Rory's memory.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rory E. Benkleman, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors