Stephen "Bud" H. Benchick

Stephen “Bud” H. Benchick, 90, a resident of McHenry for 49 years, died Sunday, June 30, at JourneyCare Hospice, Woodstock.  He was born in Chicago, August 2, 1928, to the late Stephen and Eileen (nee Travers) Benchick.

A veteran of the Navy, Steve was stationed in San Diego and worked on a carrier as an airplane mechanic and Seabee 45.  He went on to become a diesel mechanic and retired from Local 301.

Steve had a lifelong passion for being on the water and was an active member of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary, Fox Lake Flotilla, 41-04, where he taught safety courses, patrolled the Chain of Lakes/Fox River, and performed boat inspections.

Survivors include his son, Stephen P. Benchick of McHenry; daughters, Deborah (James) Winkler of Lake Villa, Cynthia (Walter) Belluomini of Davenport, FL, Michelle (Keith) Grossich of McHenry, and Laura (the late Kevin) Hill of Antioch; grandchildren, Jennifer Dinschel, Rachele Belluomini, Christopher (Chrissy) Winkler, Jackson, Austin (Desi), and Amber Grossich, and Tyler Hill; great-granddaughter, Carly Winkler; sister, Eileen McGann; and niece and nephew, Tracy Braunstein and Robert McGann.

In addition to his parents and son-in-law, Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice M. Benchick in 2001; brother, Miles “Guy” Benchick; and sister-in-law, Sr. Helen Lideika.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held Tuesday, July 9, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon, at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals and Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake.  Interment will be private.

Donations in Steve’s name may be made to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association Inc. (on behalf of USCGA Unit 095-41-04), 9449 Watson Industrial Park, St. Louis, MO 63126-1575, or the JourneyCare Hospice Foundation, 405 Lake Zurich Rd., Barrington, IL 60010.

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