Bradford C Benton

Bradford C. Benton passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at his home in Thornton. Brad was the son of Bert and Olive (Simonds) Benton.

Brad was involved in many activities in his 82 years of life. As a young man, he was employed at the Lincoln Papermill. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson and drove a flathead coupe on dirt tracks. He even brought home a few trophies. Brad learned to operate heavy equipment of all kinds and helped in the building of I-93 from Plymouth to Lincoln. He owned his own construction and landscaping company. He made a living clearing house lots, installing septic systems, and plowing snow. Brad was also a fourth-generation maple syrup producer and served the town of Thornton as a cemetery sexton for almost forty years.

More recently, Brad spent his days greeting and seating customers at Benton’s Sugar Shack, a business he helped build with his wife Judy and two sons. He continued to love old cars throughout his life, and very much liked to travel to parts unknown in his 1946 Ford Convertible. In addition, Brad was a fifty-year veteran and past master mason of Parker Lodge #97 in North Woodstock.

Brad is survived by his two sons and their families. Among these include son Brad R. Benton, his partner Robin Goodwin, granddaughter Reannen Benton, son Michael C. Benton, his wife Lori, and grandson Jacob Benton. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other extended friends and family.

There will be a memorial at his home on Route 175 in Thornton on Thursday, November 2nd from 4-7.

A graveside service will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery on Friday, November 3rd at 11 AM. Following the graveside service there will be a reception at Benton’s Sugar Shack.

While flowers are welcome, donations in Brad’s name can be made to the Grand Lodge Charity Fund Drive at PO Box 120, Manchester, NH 03105-0120.