Benjamin A. Critchley

Benjamin “Benny” Augustus Critchley, Sr.

Born April 17, 1941 in Eastport Maine, passed away on Monday, August 19th 2024 after a 4 year battle with cancer. Benny was the eldest son of Benjamin and Ruth Critchley.

 Benny graduated from Shead Memorial High School in 1959. Following graduation, he joined the the U.S .Coast Guard. After completing boot training in Cape May NJ, he served in the 1st District for 10 years, stationed in various locations including Eastport , Lubec, Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Jonesport, and Moosepeak Island. Benny also served on the USS Eastwind and participated in "Operation Deep Freeze" in Antarctica from 1961 to 1963. Upon returning home, he married Corliss Wilson, also from Eastport.

 Benny and his family were later transferred to the lifeboat station in Youngstown NY, and then to Owensboro KY, where he served as a Boatswain’s Mate on the buoy tender Lantana. In 1976, he was transferred back to Station Rochester, where he served as Chief Boatswain’s Mate in charge. He and his family lived in the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse for three years. After 20 years of dedicated service, Benny retired from the U.S. Coast Guard. He purchased a house on Lake Ontario and made Rochester NY his home.

Benny went on to work as an electrician for the Greece Central School District in Rochester NY, retiring again in 2004 after 25 years of service.

In his later years, Benny purchased 17 acres of land in Allegany County, NY which he transformed into a family camping area. There he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his family.

Benny is survived by his beloved wife, Corliss Wilson Critchley; his four sons, Benjamin Jr (Victoria), Richard (Doreene), Kevin (JoAnn), Brent (Ginger); his four grandchildren, Jennah Macallister of AZ, Richard Jr, Erica & Rachael Critchley all of Rochester NY; brothers, Richard, Paul (Martha) of Robbinston ME; as well as several nieces and nephews.

 Family and friends may call at Thomas Funeral Chapels- Rochester NY on Wednesday August 28, 2024 from 5pm-7pm.