By Randi Benesch
If you knew my grandfather-in-law, you loved him. And even if you didn’t know him, you probably loved hearing about him.
Henry “Zadie” Benesch passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 11, just a few days shy of his 101st birthday.
An Owings Mills resident, Henry lived life to the fullest. He never let anything bring him down and would always seek out the good in everyday life and the people he met.
Whether he spent his days cheering on the Ravens or the Orioles, watching the horse races at Pimlico, playing cards with his buddies or spending time with his family, Zadie made every day count.
Henry served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army for 39 years and fought in the South Pacific during World War II. He and his beloved late wife, Leah, travelled the world together and even volunteered for the Israel Defense Forces.
Henry generously donated his time and energy to the organizations he cared deeply about, including Jewish War Veterans, United Service Organizations, Yedz Grotto and B’nai B’rith.
His careers spanned from working as a grocery store clerk, an usher at Maryland racetracks, an engineer at Burroughs Corp. and his last job supporting his grandson and my husband, Adam Benesch, at Union Craft Brewing.
From the very beginning when the first tanks arrived at Union Craft, Zadie insisted on sticking around and finding a role for himself at the brewery. He quickly found a safe, seated job for himself and continued to fold almost every case box produced by Union Craft, about 420,000 boxes over the past nine years.
Zadie’s work ethic was inspiring, still coming in to fold the case boxes just a couple weeks ago. Nothing could stop him from showing up to work, not even a global pandemic. Remember, he was born during a global pandemic, so he learned persistence and perseverance at an early age.
The box-folding kept him busy, but Henry’s real role at Union Craft grew to be the brewery’s “Zadie.” He often could be found holding court, sharing his wisdom and stories to everyone who listened. He treated every single person at Union Craft like they were his grandchild. Zadie thrived on the spirit and energy he felt at Union, and he was treated like a king.
Zadie radiated kindness. He treated everyone he met with compassion and respect. Zadie was quiet and humble, but had a hilariously dry sense of humor.
Every night, he enjoyed a bourbon and a cigar, and for him it was even better if he was joined by a friend. He found the things in life that brought him joy, and he embraced them.
We all learned a lot of important life lessons from Zadie.
You can never have too many hats.
Vegetables are always optional.
Exercise will kill you.
Travel often and see the world.
Coffee, bourbon, Blackwing Lager and cigars are the four basic life necessities.
Show up and work hard.
Treat everyone you meet with kindness and compassion.
Don’t take life so seriously.
Stay humble.
Keep it simple.
Appreciate what you have.
May we all continue to celebrate and honor Zadie’s legacy by making a positive impact on the world and the people you surround yourself with.
Cheers to a life well-lived.
Henry “Zadie” Benesch is survived by his four children and their spouses, eight grandchildren and their spouses, 12 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Contributions in his memory may be sent to United Service Organizations, 2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1200 Arlington, Va. 22201, or to the charity of your choice.
An Ellicott City resident, Randi Benesch is director of advancement at Baltimore Center Stage. She is also the former managing director of arts & culture at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore.
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