Famed Harlem Funeral Home Owner Is Laid To Rest
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George Bernard Benta, a funeral parlor owner who helped Harlem families pay their respects to their loved ones for decades, was himself laid to rest on Thursday.
Friends and family gathered at St. Philips Episcopal Church to bid farewell to Benta, who last week at the age of 91.
His Harlem business, Benta Funeral Home, was established in 1928 and is family-owned.
Jason Benta, a grandson of the funeral parlor owner, said his grandfather will be most remembered for his love of Harlem.
"He's really focused so much on taking care of the community and honoring them and making sure that we preserve the legacy of the Harlem community. That's the most prominent thing that I can say," said Jason Benta.
Over the years, Benta Funeral Home held the viewings for some of the most famous names in the black community, including poet Langston Hughes, activist Paul Robeson and dance legend Alvin Ailey.