John Benfer

NEW BERLIN – John Steven Benfer, 65, of 215 High Street, passed away Friday, September 16, 2016, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

He was born November 12, 1950, in Lewisburg, a son of I. John Benfer and his wife Helen of Mifflinburg and the late Charlotte Keister. On August 9, 1969, in New Berlin, he married the former Jill Brouse, who survives.

John was a 1968 graduate of Mifflinburg Area High School.

He retired from the Danville Correctional Facility in 2012 were he served as a Facility Maintenance Manager.

John was a Life Member of the New Berlin Fire Company.  He served as a Chief from 1985 until his death.  He served as Vice President of the company from 2001 until March 2016 when he became President.  John was still the President of the Relief Association, a position he held for many years.  He was a constant at the New Berlin Carnivals as well as the meals at the Social Hall.  He was a mentor, instructor and friend to all who served with him.  He will be greatly missed.  He was also a member of the Central District Volunteer Firemen’s Association until 2013

John was a member of the Emmanuel United Church of Christ, New Berlin.

He was a Cub Master, an Assistant Scout Master and Scout Master from 1984 – 1993 in New Berlin.  He enjoyed watching NASCAR with his daughter, hunting and spending time with his son and friends at the hunting cabin, Camp Keeawae.

Surviving in addition to his wife, father and step mother are a daughter, Vicki Benfer and a son, Jason Benfer both of New Berlin; a sister and brother-in-law, Hope and Chris Dauberman of New Berlin, a brother and sister-in-law, Jeffrey and Susan Benfer of Millmont; 2 nephews, Zach Hollenbach and Nate Dauberman and a niece, Caroline Benfer.

Family and friends are welcome to a time of visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, at the Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 326 Market Street, New Berlin, where a memorial service to celebrate the life of John will be conducted at 11, with Pastor James Cope, officiating.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The New Berlin Fire Company, P.O. Box 386, New Berlin, PA 17855.

Funeral arrangements are by Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Rd., Mifflinburg.