BENJAMIN, Erik Lee

Erik Lee Benjamin, 25, of Mesa, AZ, passed away Saturday, April 19th at his residence in Mesa, AZ. Born Sunday, December 18, 1977, he was the son of Kim R. Benjamin of Bradford, PA and Karen (Mangel) "David" Pascale of Northeast, PA. He attended Lock Haven University and transferred to Devry University in Phoenix, AZ in 1999, graduating with Honors in 2001 receiving a Bachelors Degree in Computer Information Systems and Masters Degree from Keller Graduate School of Business in Phoenix in 2003. He was employed at the Salt River Project - Water and Electric Power Division in Phoenix, AZ, as Associate Computer Analyst. During his tenure at SRP he earned a number of multiple Advanced Computer Certificates. While at Lock Haven University he played on the Varsity Football Team. He played in the Arizona Football League for the Phoenix Phantoms during the 2001, 2002, 2003 seasons. He was named to the Southern Arizona Defensive All Star Team the previous two seasons. He had been a member of the Arizona National Guard in the 258th Engineering Division for 6 years and completed his duty in January 2003. He is survived by one sister; and fiancee Stephanie Hixenbaugh of Mesa, AZ. Services were held at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. in Bradford, PA. Burial was in Willow Dale Cemetery, Bradford, PA. Memorials may be made to the SPCA or the YMCA in Mesa, AZ. Submitted on (04/25/2003)From East Valley Tribune.