WINDHAM — Benjamin J. “Benny” York Sr., 83, of Windham, died on July 31, 2011, at a Portland hospital.

Born in Westbrook on May 27, 1928, he was the son of Ulysses and Arthurmise (Perry) York. He was raised and educated in Westbrook and served his country in the National Guard.

On June 14, 1949, in a Westbrook church, Benny married Shirley V. Horr. As a couple, they raised four children and have recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

An old-school, hard-working man, Benny began his career at the former S.D. Warren Paper Company on June 5, 1944, and retired from there on April 1, 1991, 46.8 years later. Also during that same time period, he was employed for R.J. Grondin and Sons of Gorham retiring from there in 2009 after nearly 40 years of service.

Ben enjoyed fishing with his great-granddaughter and never missed one of her basketball games. He loved growing flowers in the garden and for many years, was the caretaker for Mrs. Robert Grondin’s property.

Above all, Benny loved to spend time with his family. Each Sunday, he would visit all of his children and deliver fresh vegetables to them in the summer and bring them apples in the fall.

Besides his parents, a sister, Cora, predeceased him.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley V. York of Windham; three sons, Philip W. York Sr. of Casco, Benjamin J. York Jr. of Parsonsfield and Fred F. York of Windham; a daughter, Nancy L. York of Windham; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; as well as three nieces and a nephew.

Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 10 a.m., at Mayberry Cemetery, Park Road, in Windham. For online condolences, please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Benny’s memory to: The Maine Cancer Foundation, 170 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, ME 04105.