Joseph E. Benton, Jr.

Joseph Edward Benton Jr., 76, passed, away after a lengthy illness, in the comfort of his home in Atco, NJ on February 27, 2021. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Management from Rutgers University, Camden, a Master’s Degree in Governmental Administration from Rider University, and began working toward a PhD in Urban Studies from University of Delaware. Joe held certifications in Public Management, Problem Solving and Decision Making, and Criminal Justice Planning. He was a licensed Real Estate sales person, and a licensed private pilot. Joe formed COMPASS Consulting Services in 2006. In his youth, Joe ran the Sea Cadets program in Camden. He began his civil service as a police officer for the City of Camden, and his career in Camden County government in 1973 when the Camden City Law Enforcement Agency merged with the County. During his 34-year tenure, Joe was responsible for projects totaling several million dollars which helped enhance many facets of the law enforcement community. Before retiring in 2006, Joe served as Director of the Law Enforcement Planning Agency, Director of Municipal & County Services, Director of Health & Human Services, and Director of Buildings & Operations. Joe was a former member of the Waterford Township School Board, and a criminal justice instructor at Camden County College. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Officer of the Knights of Columbus, Shane’s Castle #7463, and volunteered countless hours at the Clothing Ministry at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Camden), and Discovery Ministries in Hammonton. Joe along with his wife Kathy volunteered together for the Rutgers Alumni Association, and during Joe’s tenure as President in 2012, he was instrumental in saving the Camden campus during a tumultuous time in its history. Kathy and Joe also volunteered together at their parish Christ the Redeemer (Atco) Mercy Ministry, and as admissions representatives for the United States Merchant Marine Academy in New York. A master problem-solver, Joe was an honest, devoted, reliable, and intelligent man, always happy to lend an ear or a hand to anyone in need. He was born in Camden and spent most of his life giving back to the city he held so dear. Joe enjoyed traveling, boating, flying and volunteering. He could frequently be found working on projects around the house, and taking rides to the shore with his wife Kathy of 48 years. His pride and joy were his two children, son, Joe III (Amy), and daughter, Kristy (Bill), and four grandchildren Joey (IV) and Katie Benton, and Ronan and Luca Stom. “Pop-Pop” played an active role in all their lives and truly loved watching them grow, learn, and succeed. He loved being there for everything from hockey games and dance recitals, to tug boat rides with Joe and cheering at Kristy’s marathons. He had great pride in his family, education and serving his community. He was a mentor to many, respected by all, and will be greatly missed. A viewing will be held on Tuesday March 2, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and again on Wednesday March 3, 2021 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Leroy P. Wooster Funeral Home and Crematory, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am at Christ the Redeemer Parish – Assumption Church, 318 Carl Hasselhan Rd., Atco, NJ. Entombment will follow at New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rutgers University-Camden, Give.rutgers.edu/RUCAFFund In Memory of Joseph E. Benton JR Class of 1968 & 1972.