Traian Benchea

Traian Benchea passed away peacefully on November 30, 2014 at his home in Thibodaux, LA surrounded by his loved ones. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and a proud grandfather. He is survived by his beloved children, Thomas (Carrie) Benchea, Dr. Elizabeth (Matthew) Block, and Marissa Benchea; his five cherished grandchildren, Sarah Lauren Benchea, Nathan Thomas Benchea, Thomas Ferdinand Block, Andrew James Block, and Eloise Virginia Block; his sisters, Diana (Louis) Mascolo, Roxana (Donald) Koenig, Elizabeth (Dr. Herbert) Pfeiffer, and Sanda Marie Benchea; 12 nieces and nephews and 25 great nieces and nephews. Traian was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Doreen Scuderi Benchea; his father, John Thomas Benchea; his mother, Elizabeth Cazan Benchea; and his brother, John Aurel Benchea. Traian was born on March 1, 1938 in Wheeling, West Virginia and resided in Akron, Ohio where he graduated from Buchtel High School prior to receiving his congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Upon graduation from USNA in May 1963 he attended Language School and was stationed in Washington, D.C., Pensacola, FL and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Traian served in Active Duty until 1969 and with the United States Naval Reserves until 1984 when he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Traian was employed as a mechanical engineer with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company (Bridgestone/Firestone) for 32 years. Following the death of his beloved wife in 2009, Traian relocated to Thibodaux, LA where he was embraced by a community of faithful and loving friends. Traian and his children are most grateful to the physicians, caregivers, and friends of this beautiful community who selflessly provided him with physical and spiritual nurturing during his battle with cancer. Traian was a gracious gentleman with a strong faith in God who took great joy in being a father and grandfather. Traian wished to celebrate his funeral mass in Thibodaux, LA with his dear friend, Monsignor Donald Ledet presiding at the mass. Visitation will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Thursday, December 4, 2014 from 9-11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m. The Committal Service will be held in the Mausoleum at North Lawn Cemetery in Canton, Ohio on Monday, December 8, 2014 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org (1-800-344-4823) or St. Joseph Manor in Thibodaux, LA (985-446-9050).