Patrick Dean Benjamin, 61, of Brookfield, died on Oct. 16, 2023. Born in 1961, in Oak Park, to David Fisher and Virginia Ruth Benjamin, he was a graduate of Glenbard East High School in 1979 and earned his Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University in 1983. A dedicated Republican, he was the founder and first chairman of the York Township Teen Age Republicans (TARs). He volunteered for multiple presidential campaigns, including the Reagan/Bush campaign in 1984, and later held numerous positions in the Central DuPage Young Republicans. He worked for the DuPage County Health Department and spent nearly 30 years at the village of La Grange as the director of Community Development, working to revitalize La Grange’s historic downtown, with many restaurants and small businesses.
He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially when it involved sporting events (Chicago Bears and NASCAR), camping, and live music.
Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Catherine, and his Brittany Spaniels, Sadie “Ruth” and Miakoda. He is survived by his siblings, Sue Bobek, Mike Benjamin, Barb (Roger) Nystedt, and Kevin Benjamin; his stepson, Matthew (Gabriela) Lettiere; his step-grandchildren, Gwen and Charlie Lettiere; his nieces, Julie Skinkle, Cindy (Dave) Hornik, Debbie Hays, and Yazmin Nystedt; his nephews, Roger (Nikki) Nystedt Jr., Nathaniel Nystedt, and Francis David (Jason) Benjamin; and his Brittany Spaniel, Irie, who misses Pat dearly.
He was also the friend of Lewis “Louie” Paul for over 50 years and leaves behind friends in many places, including high school buddies, Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brothers, those he had the privilege of working with at the village of La Grange, and the many close friends he met through various social events.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and technicians at Loyola Medical Center ER and MICU for their care and support. One staff member in particular, a Loyola Medical student by the name of Will, was amazing in ensuring that the family was supported throughout Patrick’s time in the hospital.
Services and interment were private
Arrangements were handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Patrick’s memory to:
The Wounded Warrior Project, 230 W Monroe St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Fisher House, Hines VA Hospital, 5000 S. 5th Ave. Hines, IL 60141, https://fofhil.org.
American Brittany Rescue, https://americanbrittanyrescue.org/help-rescue-brittanys/#donate
