I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

It is with great sadness that the family of Anthony Rory Benns "Tony" announce his passing after a prolonged illness, on Wednesday February 7, 2018 at the age of 65.

Tony, the son of the late Anderson Benns and the late Helen Daniel-Benns was a native New Yorker. He attended St. Augustine Elementary School and Cardinal Hayes High School before going on to attend Grambling University and serve in the Navy.

Tony's career as a public servant included roles as a Postal Police Officer (1988-1991); a Community Organizer at Hunter College (1992-1995); a New York City Bus Operator (1996-2007) and as a New York City Bus Dispatcher (2007-2018). For leisure, Tony enjoyed paddleball, Chess games, marching bands, R&B Music, (in particular the oldies and the Temptations) and his love of Jazz.

He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Sheila; his two sisters Marilyn Booker and Francesca Ferguson; two sons through marriage, Jawaun Arrington (wife Caleche) and Heyward Courtney Thomas (wife Nadia); 5 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and committed friends.

A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday February 15, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., at Thessalonia Baptist Church, 677 Thessalonia Road, Fork Union, Virginia 23022. A Memorial of life to follow in New York at a later date.