Saratoga Springs, NY - Charles (Chuck) Bennison, 89, passed away peacefully at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga on Wednesday April 22, 2015. Chuck was born on January 9, 1926 in Frankfurt, NY. He was the son of the late Harold & Hazel Bennison. At the age of eighteen, Chuck went to serve our country in World War II from 1944 to 1946, and was part of the 4th Infantry Division. He landed in Glasgow, Scotland, went on by train to Liverpool, England, then on a troop ship to Le Harve, France. After fighting their way through France in one the coldest European winters in history, and being hit & wounded by shrapnel, he eventually made it to Nuremberg, Germany when the war ended. His medals of Honor include the following: Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Honorable Service Lapel Button - WWII & the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross. After his service in the Army, Chuck attended and graduated from Niagara University. On November 11, 1950 he married Jeanne Fiset. They shared 63 years of loving marriage when Jeanne passed away on May 31, 2014. In addition, he is predeceased by brothers William Bennison, Robert Bennison & Richard Bennison. He is survived by sisters Anne Bennison, Saratoga, NY, Jane(Rocky) Staber, Malta, NY; brother Jack Bennison, Malta, NY; children, James (Celia) Bennison White Oak GA, Joseph Bennison, Jamaica VT, Mary (Bob) Kaehler, Surfside Beach SC, Patrick (Liz) Bennison, Guilderland NY, Peter (Jana) Bennison Glenville, NY. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Chuck was a devoted parishioner at St. Mary's Church in Ballston Spa, NY, Holy Cross Church in Dewitt, NY, St. Margaret Mary's Church in Albany, NY & St. Mary's Church in Amsterdam, NY. For many years he enjoyed spending time with family and friends at "camp" on the Great Sacandaga Lake. He also enjoyed gardening, golf, hunting & fishing throughout his life. He can be credited for starting the family pastime of skiing, and over the years, the family enjoyed trips to Adirondack Ski Center, Gore and many others. Chuck spent most of his career with Nationwide Insurance as a claims manager in Albany & Syracuse, NY. He developed numerous long lasting friendships with co-workers over nearly 40 years at Nationwide. In retirement, he & Jeanne enjoyed many of the trips taken with their Nationwide family to destinations far & wide. Chuck will be remembered for his positive outlook on life, his caring & love for his wife Jeanne, his children, grandchildren and all other family & friends. He impacted so many people in a positive way and was a mentor, role model and good friend to those that he came to know. The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the staff at Woodlawn Commons & 3 Springs at Wesley. He was loved and well cared for by many during the time he spent there. There will be a memorial mass at St. Mary's Church, Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, NY on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 10:30am. Following the church ceremony, at 12:30pm, he will be laid to rest at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in the name of Chuck Bennison to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Chuck's life following the ceremony, time & location to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.