Joseph Conrad Beneshan, Sr. Born March 4, 1944 in Washington, D.C. to Sebastian Conrad and Ella Mary (Schick) Beneshan, Joe died on June 15, 2026 in Lake Placid, NY.

Joe's early life with his family was spent in Arlington, VA and Framingham, MA before they moved to Denville, NJ and remained there. When Joe was 2 years old he began camping with his family on yearly trips to Fish Creek Ponds Campground in NY. Thus began his love of the Adirondacks, camping, and fishing. When Joe was 3 years old his grandmother gave him a ukulele and opened the wonders of music to him. Joe excelled in athletics (swimming, running, wrestling) and academics (math, music, etc.). He attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA until enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in November 1964.

Joe served in the Marine Corps Band until he was stricken with multiple sclerosis and received a medical retirement in August 1967. While a patient at Balboa Naval Hospital, Joe met and fell in love with one of his Navy nurses, Patricia Ann Knights. They married on September 23, 1967 at the base chapel and were together ever since.

They moved to Denton, TX where Joe entered North Texas State University and became part of the famed One O'Clock Lab Band. It would take a book to list Joe's musical abilities, accomplishments, opportunities and stars that he played with. Joe was most proud of his friendship and professional relationship with Red Garland. But, Joe declined all offers to pursue fame and fortune because maintaining his family life was as important as the music. Joe moved the family to Lake Placid, NY in 1984. Hopefully you got to meet him and hear him play somewhere in the North Country.

Joe is survived by his wife Patricia and children Lara D., Joseph C., Jr., and Adam W., his brother Dr. Robert (Mary) Beneshan, nephews Rob and Mike, and cousins Lois Young and Kate McLaughlin,

Calling hours will be held at the M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY on Friday, June 19th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm with an American Legion Prayer Service at 6:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 20th at 11:00am at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Lake Placid. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Rev. John Yonkovig will officiate. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a story, upload a photo or leave condolences to be added to the Memorial Tribute Book for the family to cherish.