Longtime New Canaan Recreation Director Mourned By Town

NEW CANAAN, CT — Steve Benko, New Canaan's recreation director for half a century, died Friday night after a short battle with cancer, according to town officials.

In a statement released Saturday, First Selectman Kevin Moynihan referred to Benko as one of the town's most dedicated and long-serving employees.

According to Moynihan, Benko served as recreation director for 50 years and was a mentor and friend to generations of youth, town employees, Fire Co. No. 1 volunteers and community volunteers on multiple parks and recreation commissions, town councils, boards of selectmen and finance, family fourth event committees and many more local institutions.

"Steve was a friend to all and a son of New Canaan who will be dearly missed by all," Moynihan said in a statement. "Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Steve's wife, Sue, and Steve's family."

Moynihan also noted Benko died surrounded by family at Stamford Hospital.

Benko also previously served as chief of the New Canaan Fire Company No. 1, from 1980 to 1984 and again from 1986 to 1995. Colin Daniels, the fire company's secretary, said Monday that Benko was known throughout the community for his association with the fire department and the town.

"The former chief was known very well around town from his service with the fire department, as well as his work with the recreation department," Daniels said in an email to Patch. "He always seemed to be one of the faces of New Canaan."

Rob Mallozzi, president of New Canaan Fire Company No. 1, said the entire company mourned the loss of its past chief and were keeping the Benko family in their collective thoughts and prayers.

"Steve meant so much to so many of us and was a welcome participant in many firematic and social events over his 50 years as a life member of our company," Mallozzi said in an email to Patch. "Along with being a true friend of the fire company, Steve was also a well-respected instructor and was well known throughout the state to area fire services for his revolutionary training on vehicle extrication techniques using the 'jaws of life.' I think it is safe to say that Steve's involvement in that area lead to numerous lives being saved over the years."

Details for services honoring Benko have not been announced yet.