Benson Jack Zeikowitz's Obituary
Benson Jack Zeikowitz
Benson Jack Zeikowitz passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, at his home in Boynton Beach, Florida, at the age of 98. For much of the last year of his life was surrounded by his adoring family and cared for by his children. He was born on October 26, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, the beloved son of Samuel and Rose Zeikowitz.
A proud graduate of Boys High School in 1945, Benson answered the call to serve during World War II, joining the U.S. Navy as a radio operator. Upon returning home, the GI Bill enabled him to earn a Bachelor of Science from Long Island University. In 1956, he became a Certified Public Accountant and spent most of his career as the treasurer of Baltek Corp. At Baltek, he became a beloved member of the family-owned company, and his time there shaped most of his adult life.
In 1954, Benson was set up on a blind date by his brother, where he met the love of his life, Ileane Goldstein. The fated young couple were wed on December 16, 1956, beginning a 52-year partnership founded on deep affection, laughter, and family. Together, they built a life in Brooklyn, then Bellmore, Long Island, before finally settling in New City, New York. They spent their final years as snowbirds, splitting their time between Fort-Lee, New Jersey, and South Florida. They spent years doting on their grandchildren, vacationing with friends, and gathering their beautiful family.
Benson was predeceased by his loving wife, Ileane; his father and mother, Samuel and Rose; his father- and mother-in-law, Jack and Molly; his brother, Bob; his sisters-in-law, Marcia and Audrey; his brothers-in-law, Herbie and Danny; his son-in-law, Robert; his nephew, Jeffrey; and all his life long friends.
He is survived by his devoted children: Robin Emmanuelli and her husband Dean, Debbie Boderman, Warren Zeikowitz, and David Zeikowitz and his wife Crystal. He leaves behind a legacy of love and wisdom with his grandchildren: Jayme, Alexander, Juliana, Elisabeth, Samuel, Jacob, Joshua, and Adam, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Benson had a deep love for orchestral music, opera, Broadway music, and the big band era. Frank Sinatra, Beethoven, and Pavarotti were his constant companions in his final years, serenading him each evening as he sipped a single glass of red wine and watched the sun set from his backyard.
He relished the simple pleasures: a good book, a game of Sudoku, toast with farmer cheese, and a hot cup of coffee. A lifelong Yankees fan, his passion for baseball was born in childhood, riding the subway with his brother Bob to Yankee Stadium to watch the Bronx Bombers play. That love for sports never faded, and he stayed active for many years, playing paddleball and tennis. He played tennis three times
a week until he was 95. He also loved a good card game and was a master at bridge — it was impossible to beat him.
More than anything, Benson was devoted to his family. He was the quiet anchor, the wise and steady light, always ready with unwavering support and boundless love. He leaves behind a legacy not just of longevity, but of loyalty, curiosity, and care—a patriarch in every sense of the word.
Shiva will be observed on Wednesday, June 18, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 9067 Padova Drive, Boynton Beach, Florida, 33472.
In honor of Benson’s memory, donations may be made to the causes closest to his heart: The National Holocaust Museum, The Ellis Island Fund, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.
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