ST. JOHNSVILLE - Wayne S. Benjamin, 59, formerly of Oneonta and East Meredith, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, at St. Johnsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where he had been a resident for the last several years.

Born on April 16, 1956, in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of the late Dora K. Fuller Benjamin and Sherman D. Benjamin.

Wayne attended Charlotte Valley Central School in Davenport and SUNY Alfred.

In his teen years, he enjoyed canoeing on the Susquehanna with friends Mark Howarth and Les Kearsch. They participated in many races on that river.

He taught at Unatego Central School before falling ill to debilitating multiple sclerosis. Wayne had been a resident at a rehab center in Connecticut for a few years before moving back to New York and residing at St. Johnsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the past 25 years.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; and son, Bradley (Lakeisha); sister, Patricia (John) Svegl; several half brothers and sisters, Stanley (Joanne) Fuller, David (Beverly) Fuller, Grace (Charles) Dietzman, Roger (Janice), Jay (Marsha), Benson, Kendall (Tina), Craig (Kerri) Benjamin, and Naomi (William) Birch; along with several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 7, at Hall & Peet Funeral Home, 134 Main St., Delhi. A celebration of life and memorial service will follow a 1 p.m., with the Rev. John Priest officiating. Burial will follow in East Meredith Cemetery.

Despite his life's difficulties, Wayne had a positive outlook, a smile, and a "You made my day!" for all.

Please visit www.hallandpeet.com to share a condolence with the family.