John Russell Benner, Jr ,age 81, of Pine Grove, passed away Monday, August 19, 2019 at Providence Place, Pine Grove.

He was born on Tuesday, February 22, 1938, in Scranton, PA, a son of the late John R Benner, Sr and Evelyn M Diehl Benner.

He was a 1955 graduate of the former Scranton Central High School 1965 graduate of LaSalle University, Philadelphia.

He was a CPA for John R Benner CPA .

He was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Tremont.

He was also a member of Hegins Area Rotary Club; where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, Valley Lodge F&AM 797, Valley View, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Lodge 125, Millersburg. He was a board member of the Pine Grove Twp AuthorityJohn was active in his church and enjoyed gardening..

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley M Benner, who passed away June 3, 2017, a daughter, Donna Deibler, and a son, Frank E Benner.

He survived by two daughters, Patricia A Benner, Kathryn M (Donald) Nork; son, William A (Rebecca) Benner; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Noon at the Buffington-Reed Funeral Home 200 W. Main St., Valley View, PA 17938 with Elder Keith Steinmetz officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:30 am to Noon at the funeral home.

Burial will be made in Christ Church Cemetery, Fountain Springs.

Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com .