Benton I. Monk, Sr.

Benton Irving Monk, Sr., of Crestwood Drive, Gorham, NH passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children on May 9, 2013. He was sixty-six and was born on June 27, 1946 to Percy and Nettie Monk of Norway, Maine. Ben was raised by Thelma and Roland Stearns (NaNa and Pop) of Rumford, Maine who he considered as his mom and dad. Ben graduated from Stephen High School with the Class of 1965 and served in the Army during Vietnam. He worked at the Berlin-Gorham mill for over 40 years as a first class millwright. Ben enjoyed all types of outdoor activities such as ATVing, snow machining, kayaking, hunting and fishing. One of Bens most proud full moments in his life was when he found all of his siblings. It took Ben 15 years to find 11 brothers and sisters and 33 years to find the last one. He recently spent two wonderful days with all of them together. Family meant the world to Ben. Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years Gloria (Amero) Monk and his children Pastor Benton Monk,Jr and wife Liz and four grandchildren, Toby R. Plourde of Gorham, Maine and Tansi D. Leblanc (Plourde) and husband Andy and his six month old granddaughter, Avery Lebanc, who he called his Little Princess. Ben is survived by five brothers Richard, Percy, Jim, Jon and Rick and four sisters Jennie, Sandra, Janice and Millie all of Maine. He was predeceased by three sisters, Vicky, Patricia and Geraldine. Ben and his wife had a motto, Were old, Were slow, But, we still go. Ben also believed that you should laugh and hug someone everyday for life is too short to waste away. Ben will forever be remembered as a kind, caring and loving person who loved family above all else. He will be missed. Relatives and friends may call at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin on Sunday afternoon and evening from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 PM.