Dale K. Benington

Dale K Benington 73 of Toledo Ohio passed away suddenly April 14, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born November 30, 1950 in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from Start High School and went on to The University of Toledo as a walk-on for the Rocket football team, eventually earning a scholarship. He was a member of the 1969, 1970, & 1971 undefeated teams, dominating the Tangerine Bowl three consecutive years, winning 35 games straight. It remains the second longest winning streak in NCAA Division I-A football history. He later earned his Master of Education degree at Toledo University.

Dale's love of history shaped his entire life. It led him to become a devoted Social Studies teacher at Fassett Middle School for 30 years. It also gave him a true wanderlust for visiting historical markers, lighthouses, and civil war battle sites with all his children. After retirement, he expanded his travels abroad, visiting Israel, Turkey, Greece, and Egypt. It was Dale's curiosity for history while in college that compelled him to seek Biblical Scriptures, leading him to a Saving Faith in Jesus Christ. Dale was a member of Westgate Chapel of Toledo Ohio and after retirement, he enjoyed teaching the Scriptures from a historical and archeological point of view. He also was a longtime member and contributing editor at HMDB (Historical Marker Data Base).

Dale also had a passion for sports and coaching. Starting as an assistant coach at Bowsher High School in the mid 70's. He continued to coach football for nearly 40 years, finally retiring in 2012. Along the way, he also coached multiple other sports at the high school and junior high school level including basketball, track & field, as well as his longstanding passion project from his days at Young Life, broomball. He found joy in and excelled at teaching young athletes. Building their confidence and developing new skills, winning championships in multiple sports all along the way. He also carved out time to coach his son and daughters in many sports.

Dale was a huge fan of Big 10 football, and especially The Ohio State University (just in case you weren't aware) where he spent many Saturdays during the season either at the Shoe or entertaining his friends at Ralphie's Sports Eatery.

Dale leaves behind his wife of 20 years Pamela Benington (Coder), his children Jeremy (Susan) Benington, Jessica (Jason) Sokolowski, Zoë Benington, his grandchildren Evan, Quinn, Griffin and Emmett, his siblings Jerri (Les) Foreman, Debbie Wagy, Steve (Tammy) Clifton, Teresa (Sam) Miller, Jennifer Monaghan, Jane Greenfield, Mary Sanchez, Mark Long and Jon Long.

Dale is preceded in death by his adoptive parents Ralph O Benington and Martha (Dale) Benington, his birth parents Joanne Duty and LaMar Long and his sisters Bev McDonnell and Vickie Neeld.

A Celebration of life will be held at Westgate Chapel at 2500 Wilford Dr in Toledo on Thursday April 25, from 3 - 6pm with a service from 6 - 7pm (Ohio State Attire Optional). Private burial at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.