Major Paul Benjou

Beloved family and friends,

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather Major Paul Benjou, who fell asleep in the Lord on Holy Wednesday, April 16th.

Paul Benjou, born on April 14, 1936, in Manhattan, NYC was the eldest son of Naoum Benjou, a Greek immigrant, and his wife, Evgenia. For the early part of his childhood, Paul was an only child, later becoming an older brother with the arrivals of Zachary and Gus, born ten and thirteen years after him, respectively.

Paul’s passion for aviation began early. At 17, he enrolled in the Aeronautical College of New York, graduating in 1955. He began his career at Lockheed as a licensed government aircraft and power plant mechanic before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1957—a decision that launched a distinguished 22-year military career.

He completed navigator training at Harlingen Air Force Base and was commissioned in 1958. After further training at Keesler Air Force Base, he became an Electronic Warfare Officer and was soon stationed in Japan flying B-66 electronic reconnaissance missions, followed by a year in Korea flying photo reconnaissance aboard C-47s. He was promoted to First Lieutenant during this time.

In July 1960, Paul proudly received his commission into the U.S. Air Force, joining the elite Strategic Air Command (SAC). He trained on B-52 bombers at Castle and Merced Air Force Bases and was later stationed at Westover Air Force Base with the 8th Air Force, followed by a posting to McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando.

During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, Paul and his crew played a key role, flying B-52s on high alert from McCoy to Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. That same year, he was promoted to Captain.

In 1964, while visiting family in New York City, Paul met and married the love of his life, Betty Diopoulos. The couple settled in Orlando, where they welcomed their first daughter, Jacqueline, in 1966. Shortly after, Paul deployed to Guam, serving in the Vietnam War as an Electronic Warfare Officer, protecting his crew and aircraft by jamming enemy radar systems.

After returning from overseas, Paul was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska with the 544th Aerospace Reconnaissance Technical Wing (ARTW), where he was promoted to Major in 1967. It was here that Betty and Paul welcomed their second daughter, Georgia. His final assignment brought the family to Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado, where he led SAC’s 544th detachment. Paul honorably retired from the Air Force in July 1979, concluding a distinguished career marked by courage, leadership, and service.

After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Paul then went to work as an engineer for the Hughes Aircraft Company and later Raytheon, retiring from that position in December 1999. In 2001, Paul happily welcomed his son-in-law Dimitri into the family. In his retirement, Paul enjoyed his weekly Saturday breakfast group and spending as much of his time as possible with his family, especially his granddaughter, Andreana.

Paul’s deep and abiding Greek Orthodox faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions, shaping his values, and sustaining him through life’s joys and challenges. His spiritual conviction was a private source of strength.

During his lifetime, Paul was an active member of the Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where he taught Sunday School and served on the Parish Council, as well as church Treasurer. He was also a founder of St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church. He volunteered for many years at the annual Greek Festival and was a lifetime member of AHEPA Chapter 145.

Major Paul Benjou passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 16th, two days after his 89th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Paul touched the lives of all who knew him with his generous spirit and quiet strength. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and taught his family how to live with integrity and laugh along the way.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership for nearly 61-years. Paul was a proud and caring father to his children, whose lives have been deeply shaped by his guidance and support. His joy was further multiplied in the role of grandfather; he cherished every moment spent with his granddaughter, Andreana, whose laughter and presence brought him immeasurable happiness.

Paul’s impact extended far beyond his family. Friends, colleagues, and community members remember him as a man of integrity and warmth. The world is undoubtedly better for having had him in it, and his memory will continue to inspire all who had the honor of knowing him.

The Trisagion will begin at 10:30 am and the Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 23rd, at Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral, located at 4610 East Alameda Avenue, Denver CO 80246.

Following the service, the interment and military honors will take place at Fairmount Cemetery located at 430 South Quebec Street, Denver CO 80247.

Please plan to join us for the Makaria (memorial meal), which will be offered upon returning from the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Paul’s favorite organizations: Denver Rescue Mission, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Salvation Army, Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral, or Saint Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church.