Benson M. Srere, Former Pelham Resident

Benson M. Srere, a vice president of Hearst and longtime executive assistant to former CEO Frank A. Bennack, Jr., died Friday, July 20 in Greenwich, Connecticut after several months of illness. He was 89 and resided in Greenwich.

A journalist his entire life, Srere began his career as a newsman at United Press International (UPI) in Los Angeles. He moved to New York City in 1957 to join Hearst as an associate editor of Good Housekeeping magazine. In his 19 years at the magazine, he held many senior positions, including executive editor and vice president.

In 1975, he became general manager of Hearst Special Publications, and then vice president and general manager of King Features Syndicate. Subsequently, he served as vice president of Hearst Metrotone News, and served on the board of directors for Hearst/ABC Video Services, Viacom Entertainment Services and A+E Networks.

In 1976, Srere became executive assistant to Bennack. He retired from Hearst as a vice president in 1994 after 38 years with the company.

“Ben played an important role in shaping what is today’s modern company,” Bennack said. “After nearly 20 years at Good Housekeeping, he led King Features into new syndication deals that still remain today and then became my trusted right hand for many years.”

Born in Rock Island, Illinois, Srere was the son of Russian immigrants Jacob and Margaret Srere. The family later settled in Los Angeles, where Srere graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California. He began his journalistic career as the sports editor for the university paper, the Daily Trojan. He never lost his interest in sports reporting and was a close friend of Mel Durslag, the legendary sportswriter at the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner.

Srere was the trustee of the Optometric Center of New York foundation, the Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Sigma and the Society of Professional Journalists.

Srere served in the Army from 1950 to 1952.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Betty Ann Cerruti Srere, his son David B. Srere, his daughter Anne Srere Musantry, his son Peter John Srere and daughter-in-law Virginia Srere, as well as five grandchildren: Jack, Katharine and Will Srere of Summit, New Jersey, and Amanda and Michael Srere of Scarsdale, New York. He was the brother of Sonia Srere Sweeney of Los Angeles and the late Dr. Paul A. Srere of Dallas, Texas. Prior to living in Greenwich, Srere resided in Pelham, New York for 21 years.

In accordance with Ben’s wishes, a celebratory gathering of friends and family will be held in early fall.