1958 – 2015

POLAND — Thomas F. Benway Jr., 57, of Poland, died unexpectedly Monday evening, Feb. 2, at his home.

He was born in Hartford, Conn., on Jan. 9, 1958, a son of Thomas F. Benway Sr. and Joanna (Federowicz). He was educated in Connecticut schools and graduated from East Hartford High School in 1976.

On Sept. 29, 1990, he married the former Wendy Middlemass and they settled for a number of years in Berlin, Conn., until they relocated to Maine. While living in Connecticut and raising their two young children, he worked for car dealerships and owned two small businesses.

In 2004, Tom, Wendy and their children moved to Poland. He opened three Victory Lane Quick Oil Change locations in Lewiston, Lisbon Falls and Auburn. He was currently employed as a service adviser at Central Maine Motors in Waterville.

Since moving to this area, Tom attended Poland Community Church. He was a man with a deep spiritual faith.

His enjoyment and passion was cars, especially classic cars. Tom also enjoyed motorcycles, as well as snowmobiling. In his younger years, he enjoyed bicycling and was a competitive arm wrestler in Connecticut.

Tom was a loving, devoted and hardworking husband and father who took great pleasure in the good times spent with family and friends. He took pride in everything he did. He will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his wife, Wendy Benway, of Poland; his daughter, Megan Benway, also of Poland; his son, Pfc. Jeremy Benway, currently stationed in Kentucky; his sister, Lori Damon, of East Hartford, Conn.; his brother, Greg Benway and wife, Natalie, of Enfield, Conn.; his sister-in-law, Patricia, and brother-in-law, Daniel Larson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom was predeceased by a son, Jordan; and his parents, Thomas and Joanna.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Tom’s family by visiting their online guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.