Patrick J. Benton

Patrick was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1989, in Lake Forest, Illinois, and was raised in Vernon Hills. He attended Hawthorn School's where in Middle School, where he was honored with the Golden Hammer Award. During his school years, Patrick was involved in orchestra, cross country, and theater. He graduated from Vernon Hills High School in 2007. Patrick continued his education at Vincennes University in Indiana, where he was a member of the rowing team, participated in theater, and hosted his own radio show. His creativity, curiosity, and willingness to try new things were evident throughout his college years. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in Art from Northeastern Illinois University. Patrick went on to build a career as a technician specializing in electrical testing for supercomputer data centers. His technical expertise and dedication to his work took him into a specialized field where precision, knowledge, and attention to detail were essential. Most recently, he was employed with Forefront Electrical Testing in Elk Village. Patrick found a special sense of peace and belonging through a men’s group at Northbridge Church in Antioch. He enjoyed gardening and took great pride in making the apartment building where he lived a more beautiful place, often adding a flower, plant or birdbath to brighten the surroundings. Above all, Patrick cherished being a father. His children were everything to him, and he loved creating adventures and memories with them, whether taking nature walks, stopping for ice cream or visiting the Volo Museum. Some of his happiest memories were family vacations on the water aboard the family boat, “Nomad,” where he enjoyed tubing and waterskiing and, most importantly, sharing those experiences with his children. Patrick also enjoyed playing guitar and had a special appreciation for oldies music from the 1960s, especially the Beatles. He took pride in his appearance and his sense of style, always making sure he was dressed well and looking his best. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was especially known for his entertaining imitations of family members and friends, which brought laughter to everyone around him. Patrick deeply valued his family and its history and was known as the keeper of family memories. He was a loving father, son, brother and uncle who had a remarkable ability to make others feel valued. His spirit of kindness and love for others was evident in the way he often put others before himself, reminding those around him how beautiful they were inside and out and making certain they knew how special they were to him. Patrick will be remembered for his heart of gold, warm hugs, contagious sense of humor and the genuine love he showed to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His greatest legacy will be the love he gave his children and family and the many beautiful memories he created along the way. Surviving are his 2 children, Vienna & Finnegan; parents, Kevin & Mary Benton; siblings, Andrew (Kelly) Benton & Molly (Ibby) Bahrani, nieces & nephews, Riley, Kelsey & Noah, God parents, DeAnn Firnbach & David Firnbach and by many loving cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rosie & Edward O’Donnell and by paternal grandparents, Frank & Nancy Benton. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 148 W. Main St., Lake Geneva, WI. Memorial donations would be appreciated to the family as an future fund is being established for his children. Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Patrick J. Benton

November 23, 1989 - August 30, 2026