BENKART JOHN WILLIAM Age 83, of Cranberry Township, passed away on September 15, 2015. John was born June 12, 1932, in Pittsburgh, the son of Earl and Anna (Culp) Benkart. John was the father of Jean Peterson (Jeff Prady), John J. Benkart (Darla McGee), Joanne (Keith) Kramar, Joyce Benkart (Gary Johnston), Charles (Suzi) Benkart and Catherine Benkart (Mike Cravener); grandfather of Jessica (Kevin) Criswell, Nicole Peterson (Scott Hartzell), Nathaniel Rothert (Maggie Williams), John A. Benkart (Carly McDonough) and Robert Benkart (Karlie Malone); brother of Barbara Salinetro (Buck Thoma); brother-in-law of Germaine Benkart and Lucky Price. Preceded in death by family members, Earl (Dorothy) Benkart, Raymond Benkart, Shirley (Edward) Brandl, Carol (Bill) Heyl and Kay Novosel. Also survived by many relatives and friends. John was a veteran of the US Army attaining Sergeant status and served in Korea. After discharge from the military, he went to work in the family business - J. Benkart & Sons Co. of Pittsburgh. John eventually became sole owner of the company and moved the business to Cranberry Township. Over the years, John along with some of the children grew the business to be known nationwide as Benkart Rigging. Friends will be received on Weds. and Thur. 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME OF CRANBERRY, 2678 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, (724) 772-8800, where services will take place on Fri. 11 a.m. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb