Richard J. 
“Dick” Bené
May 11, 1934 – Feb 12, 2017
Richard J. “Dick” Bené, a St. Louis native, moved to Omaha in 1970 as he continued his successful career in the insurance industry that spanned over 45 years. He was also an influential figure in establishing and promoting youth soccer across the state of Nebraska. In addition, his deep devotion to St. Robert Bellarmine Parish was reflected in the numerous leadership and supporting roles he played for nearly 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Adele; brothers, Leo, Jr. and Robert. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara H. Bené. He is also survived by his four children and their families: son Richard, Jr. and wife Belinda and their five children: Ryan (Craig) and children, Beau and Isla, Dustin (Lori) and children, Beckham and Genevieve, Matthew, Michael, and Morgan; son Thomas and wife Susannah and their two children, Brian and Shelby; son Michael and wife Amy and their five children: Christine (Rusty) and children E.J. and Christopher, Michelle (Jeffrey) and children Logan, Madilynn, and Abigail, Elizabeth, Jennifer, and Anthony; daughter Karen Helgren and husband Jeffrey and their three children: Molly, Heather, and Jeffrey, Jr.
VISITATION Wednesday, Feb. 15th, 3:30pm to 5pm and 6:15pm to 7:30pm, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, with VIGIL SERVICE at 7:30pm at the church. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Thursday, Feb. 16th at 10am, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Institute for Priestly Formation; Fr. Donald Shane Scholarship Fund; or Serra Club.
7 Comments
dick was a great guy always smiling in spite of his health pro
blems
dick was a great guy,very generous with his time and always smiling in spite of his health problems
Dear Barb,
We are so sorry about Dick’s death…what a wonderful
person he was!! We are sorry to miss his services as
we are in Florida for a few days. Please know we are
thinking of you and sending our love and sympathy!
Anne and Pat Mahoney
Met Rich in 1948, our first year in high school here in St Louis. Kept in touch over the years. A great guy. Will be missed.
My sympathies to Dick’s entire family. Dick was my manager many years at Columbia Ins Group. He was one of the nicest men I have ever worked for and will be missed by many. I loved to hear his stories about St Louis and agents still ask about him. Thoughts & prayers to all. Kathy Biggs
I spent nearly 4 decades earning a living in commercial insurance & risk management. Dick Bene is one of the two most outstanding men I ever worked with or for in all that time. I last saw him perhaps 3 years ago in Dr. Jim Steier’s office, where we had a chance to visit a bit. In the face of Dick’s death, now, it almost sounds cliched to say that he was kind; honest; patient; eminently decent; funny; a true gentleman; exceptionally intelligent & professionally competent. But he WAS all of that; and all of us who knew him are diminished at his passing. My own consolation is in hearing at the funeral of Dick’s love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus does that great Biblical promise at Revelation 21:4 shine… (Look it up!) Farewell for a season, Dick.
Anyone who plays, or has a child who plays, soccer in Omaha owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Bene’. He was one of the small handful of people who volunteered his time in the 1970s to take the fledgling sport and help turn it into the popular pastime enjoyed by thousands across the State today. My family is saddened to hear of Dick’s passing and sends out our condolences to the Bene’ family
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