HUBBARD John R. Benigas, 61, died Sunday evening August 11, 2013 at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He was born September 13, 1951 in Farrell, PA a son of John and Esther Molinari Benigas and was a lifelong area resident.

Mr. Benigas graduated from Farrell High School in 1969, having been class president. He attended Thiel College and then received his Bachelor of Education from Edinboro State College where he was chapter president of Delta Sigma Phi. John received his master's degree from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. He later completed the course of study from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL.

John was a pastor with the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church and was past president of the Youngstown District lay speakers of the United Methodist Church.

John retired in 2004 from the Hubbard Exempted Village School District after 30 years of teaching, having taught every grade K through 12. He was certified in reading, comprehensive English and comprehensive social studies. John was a football coach for 25 years, head track coach and also coached basketball. He was named the NE Ohio Track Coach of the Year in 1993.

John enjoyed playing the guitar, reading, golfing, fishing and most of all enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He leaves his wife, the former Wendy J. Hyde, whom he married May 29, 1976; a son, John B. (Mikayla) Benigas of Champion; a daughter, Dr. Jeanette E. (Jonathan) Benigas-Hunt of Columbus and a brother, Mark Benigas of Oswego, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends may call on Friday 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Hubbard High School Auditorium, 350 Hall Ave., Hubbard, OH 44425.

Funeral services will be held Saturday 10:00 AM at the Hubbard High School Auditorium.

The family requests that no floral arrangements be sent.

Interment will be at Hubbard Union Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kelley-Robb-Cummins Funeral Home.

Please visit www.krcummins.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the family.

---