Obituaries

Robert “Bob” N. Benson of Newport News passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025. He was a native of Wake, Middlesex County, VA, and had resided in Newport News for 49 years. He graduated from Mathews High School in 1960 and subsequently attended the Apprentice School of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company from 1960-1964. Bob began a career at the Shipyard that would span 33 years. He retired in 1993 as a Project Manager of Aircraft Carrier Construction. Following that retirement, Bob became a very successful Real Estate Agent and received many awards for his accomplishments. He grew up attending Harmony Grove Baptist Church and later joined Orcutt Baptist Church in Newport News. Bob was baptized in the Rappahannock River and referred to himself as a “saltwater Baptist”.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Karen Leigh Benson, his parents Rudolph N. and Mary Louise Benson; brothers Lewis E. Benson and Rudolph N. Benson, Jr, and sister Mary Virginia Benson. Bob’s first wife, Antoinette Rowe predeceased him. He is survived by two daughters, Amy Benson Logan (Junior) of Newport, NC, and Kristin Benson Houglum (Mike) of Chesapeake, VA; four grandchildren, Nicole Hill (Matt) of Newport, NC, Lindsay Kelsch (Erich) of Cameron, NC, Gabriella Notargiacomo of Newport, NC, and Harrison Scheidemantle of Chesapeake, VA. Additionally, he had two step-grandchildren, Brittany Logan Pardue (Justin) of Walker, LA, and Hailey Logan Irons (Austin) of New Bern, NC; as well as eight great-grandchildren, Carter and Noah (Nicole), Parker and Brock (Lindsay), Neil and Makayla (Brittany) and Logan and Elijah (Hailey). Bob also leaves behind several cousins, many friends, and colleagues from a life well lived in service to others. He was proud of his family and never failed to share their accomplishments with others.

The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, November 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home, with a funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Peninsula Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity in Bob’s memory.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.