John M. Benninghoff, 89, of State College, passed away Monday, June 8, 2015 at Centre Crest Nursing Home. Born on November 9, 1925 in Lebanon, PA, he was the son of William E. and Minerva (Mull) Benninghoff. John was born and raised in Lebanon County, PA and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1943 and served to the end of WWII, receiving an honorable discharge in June 1946. After serving he returned back to his home town of Lebanon where he met his wife of 67 years, Gloria M. Leedom while doing a favorite pastime of roller-skating which he continued to do until he was 80. They married in 1948 at which time they moved to State College for John to enroll in the field of Metallurgy, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1952. The young couple provided temporary housing for more than 75 babies awaiting adoption for the Centre County Youth Services. John and his wife adopted four of their own children before being blessed with a natural born fifth child. The couple living in Houserville since 1956.
John was employed at Titan-Cerro for 35 years and also worked for Cata Bus for another 18 years. He went on to work part-time for Sheetz until he was 85.
He enjoyed fishing and camping with his four sons and spending time with his family.
John his wife and daughter enjoyed having and training golden retriever dogs. He was a member of the Mt. Nittany Dog Training Club in which he showed his own dogs in the area of agility. His dog Brady was his top successful performer.
Along with his wife John is survived by one daughter; Janice Benninghoff of State College, three sons; Richard Benninghoff of State College, Todd Benninghoff and his wife Brenda of Philipsburg, Kerry Benninghoff of Bellefonte, one sister; Arlene Dougherty, six grandchildren; Michael K. Benninghoff of Pittsburgh, Amy Benninghoff of Pittsburgh, Heather Cleaver and her husband Aaron of Howard, Kelly Benninghoff of Julian, Zackary Benninghoff of Philipsburg, and Kassi Carper of Pittsburgh.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by one son Scott N Benninghoff, one brother; Richard Benninghoff, one sister; Mary Reddinger, two grandchildren; Ryleigh Benninghoff and Nichola Benninghoff.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Penn State Hershey’s Children’s Hospital, Office of University Development, PO Box 852, Hershey, PA, 17033 or to Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, PA, 16828.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.