Memories of Brian Andrew Benko

In memory of

Brian Andrew Benko

Washington, D.C., DC

August 15, 1982 - August 12, 2022

Aug 15, 1982 - Aug 12, 2022

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Maureen Benko

In loving memory of our dear son, brother, and friend Brian Andrew Benko:

Today, as we mark the first anniversary of Brian’s passing, we choose to celebrate the incredible life he lived and the impact he had on all of us. Born on August 15, 1982, in Park Ridge, IL, Brian brought immense joy and love into our lives, cherished deeply by his parents, Russell and Maureen, and adored by his siblings, Allison, Bridget, and Russell.

From his carefree and playful youth to his meteoric rise in the legal world, Brian’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. He excelled academically and professionally, making us all immensely proud as he became a partner at two prominent law firms. Beyond his achievements, Brian’s true spirit shone through in his selfless acts of kindness and empathy.

From mentoring a neighborhood boy with disabilities to advocating for the less fortunate, Brian’s compassion knew no bounds. He touched countless lives, dedicating his time and expertise to fight for justice and dignity. His commitment to pro bono work and recognition as Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for the District of Columbia in 2013 was a testament to his remarkable character.

Though we carry the weight of sorrow in our hearts, we also hold the light of Brian’s legacy, which will forever guide us. As we gather as a family, we choose to embrace “Joy” as our path forward—a tribute to the happiness he brought into our lives and the love he shared with us all. Whether at Thanksgiving, Cristmas or the occasional Cubs game, Brian enjoyed time with his family and we cherrished time spent with him.

We are immensely grateful for the support and love offered by Brian’s close family, friends, and co-workers during these challenging times. Your stories and remembrances of Brian have been a source of comfort and strength for us, reminding us of the wonderful person he was.

Today, we celebrate the life of our beloved son, brother, and friend, cherishing every memory and holding him close in our hearts. While our pain is still profound, we find hope in the knowledge that Brian’s spirit lives on in all of us and in the lives he touched.

As we look to the future, we carry the lessons of Brian’s compassion, kindness, and resilience. May his memory inspire us to make the world a better place, just as he did.

With love and hope,

The Benko Family

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Maureen Benko

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Maureen Benko

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Dan Tully

I taught Brian in my first year of teaching, his senior year at Notre Dame. I was only a few years older than he was. He was funny, engaging, and smart. When I became principal in 2007, he came to visit and brought me a signed copy of the article he wrote for the Akron Intellectual Property Journal. I was a proud government teacher. I still have the journal and always have remembered the kindness he showed in coming back to say hello and reconnect.

Condolences and prayers to all who loved Brian. He was a great Don and our hearts break for his friends and family.

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Gary Ch

I knew Brian from ABA conferences and had the opportunity to work with him on a mutual client. He is such an earnest good person, he made quite the impression despite only seeing him a few times a year. A favorite memory is when I arranged a dinner at a steakhouse in Denver for a large group of people, and he sat next to me. For dessert he asked for some sorbet, and at that moment and years after I would jokingly gave him a hard time for ordering sorbet at a fancy steakhouse with rich dessert options. And in that moment and each time after when I'd joke about ordering sorbet he'd give the same response- with one of his trademark smiles he'd say "I love sorbet, it's so refreshing". He was so confident and self-assured that my jokes never phased him.

I miss Brian so much, and regardless of whether it would have helped I will forever regret not doing more and for not being a better friend. It's helped me realize the importance of being open to helping others, and I'm going to pay it forward and focus on being a more compassionate and considerate person in the future. Perhaps I'll even learn to appreciate sorbet a bit more...

My condolences to Kim and to Brian's family, I am so so sorry for your loss. And thank you for creating this site, it's been helpful to read other's stories and notes about Brian and to see those pictures.

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Allison Keeley

Maureen OBrien

I worked with Brian and McDermott for several years but had not been in touch since 2017. My condolences to his friends and family. Brian loved ERISA and was quick with a smile at work and very dedicated.

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Allison Keeley

Mary Malartsik

My heart goes out to you, Russ, Maureen, Allison, Bridget, and Russ. Brian was such a beautiful child and I'm sure he grew into a man who made you proud. His pain and yours are unimaginable. I will remember his in my prayers and pray for peace for all. Mary Ann Malartsik

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Maureen Benko

Allison Keeley

Maureen Benko

Allison Keeley

Maureen Benko

Allison Keeley

Comments:

Maureen Benko

On August 15, 1982, Brian Andrew Benko was born to ecstatic parents, Russell and Maureen in Park Ridge, IL. As the fourth, and last sibling, he was loved in a treasured way and was doted on by his older siblings: Allison, Bridget & Russell and later by his extended family, friends, and colleagues.
 
Brian’s early years were shaped by an adoring family and carefree and playful youthfulness that led to an early modeling career and, for a time, as “Mikey” on the Life Cereal box.
 
Brian was a gifted student and earned distinction everywhere he went starting at Northridge Prep, then to Notre Dame High School, continuing his education at Indiana University andfinally to University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.
 
Brian used this intellectual talent to secure an internship at the US Department of the Treasury and then to begin a meteoric law career culminating in partner positions at McDermott, Will & Emory and then at Winston & Strawn, LLP. In Washington D.C.
 
Despite his professional success, Brian was not a taker in life. In high school, Brian mentored a neighborhood boy struggling with developmental and physical disabilities. Brian gave of his time and of himself and showed a depth and empathy far beyond his youth. 
 
As one of the youngest partners at McDermott, Will & Emory, Brian was a leading advocate for the poor and successfully litigated on their behalf to retain housing and to maintain dignity in the face of injustice. Brian successfully pushed for additional pro bono resources in this area and was awarded Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for the District of Columbia in 2013. His area of practice was Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation.
 
As a young man with both passion and an intense sense of empathy, Brian was also subject to depression, which he battled for several years. He chose to end his life just days before his 40th birthday.

Our beloved son, Brian Andrew Benko, brother, friend, and talented attorney —died on Friday, August 12, 2022, at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 39 years old.
 
Our hearts are broken and today we are unable to express the depth of our sorrow. As a family we are holding each other close and are committed to choosing “Joy” as a path forward. This will hopefully be a symbol of healing and a way to celebrate the life of our son and all that he means to us and to those that he has touched.
 
His close family, friends and co-workers offered Brian their support and for that we are eternally grateful. The outpouring of stories and remembrances of the son that we will always love will eventually make our sorrow a bit easier to bear. We thank you!!
 
Brian is survived by his parents, Russell & Maureen Benko; his sisters Allison (Keeley) Benko, & Bridget Benko; and his brother, Russell Benko.
 
Brian is also survived by his girlfriend of 9 years, Kimberley Cherry. They enjoyed a near decade's worth of trips, events, performances, and family get togethers.
 
Private services were held at the St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge, IL on August 22, 2022. Internment services were held at St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery in Niles, IL. 
 
In lieu of condolences, we request that donations be sent to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

On August 15, 1982, Brian Andrew Benko was born to ecstatic parents, Russell and Maureen in Park Ridge, IL.... Read more As the fourth, and last sibling, he was loved in a treasured way and was doted on by his older siblings: Allison, Bridget & Russell and later by his extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Brian’s early years were shaped by an adoring family and carefree and playful youthfulness that led to an early modeling career and, for a time, as “Mikey” on the Life Cereal box.

Brian was a gifted student and earned distinction everywhere he went starting at Northridge Prep, then to Notre Dame High School, continuing his education at Indiana University andfinally to University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.

Brian used this intellectual talent to secure an internship at the US Department of the Treasury and then to begin a meteoric law career culminating in partner positions at McDermott, Will & Emory and then at Winston & Strawn, LLP. In Washington D.C.

Despite his professional success, Brian was not a taker in life. In high school, Brian mentored a neighborhood boy struggling with developmental and physical disabilities. Brian gave of his time and of himself and showed a depth and empathy far beyond his youth.

As one of the youngest partners at McDermott, Will & Emory, Brian was a leading advocate for the poor and successfully litigated on their behalf to retain housing and to maintain dignity in the face of injustice. Brian successfully pushed for additional pro bono resources in this area and was awarded Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for the District of Columbia in 2013. His area of practice was Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation.

As a young man with both passion and an intense sense of empathy, Brian was also subject to depression, which he battled for several years. He chose to end his life just days before his 40th birthday.

Our beloved son, Brian Andrew Benko, brother, friend, and talented attorney —died on Friday, August 12, 2022, at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 39 years old.

Our hearts are broken and today we are unable to express the depth of our sorrow. As a family we are holding each other close and are committed to choosing “Joy” as a path forward. This will hopefully be a symbol of healing and a way to celebrate the life of our son and all that he means to us and to those that he has touched.

His close family, friends and co-workers offered Brian their support and for that we are eternally grateful. The outpouring of stories and remembrances of the son that we will always love will eventually make our sorrow a bit easier to bear. We thank you!!

Brian is survived by his parents, Russell & Maureen Benko; his sisters Allison (Keeley) Benko, & Bridget Benko; and his brother, Russell Benko.

Brian is also survived by his girlfriend of 9 years, Kimberley Cherry. They enjoyed a near decade's worth of trips, events, performances, and family get togethers.

Private services were held at the St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge, IL on August 22, 2022. Internment services were held at St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery in Niles, IL.

In lieu of condolences, we request that donations be sent to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Read less On August 15, 1982, Brian Andrew Benko was born to ecstatic parents, Russell and Maureen in Park Ridge, IL. As the fourth, and... Read more last sibling, he was loved in a treasured way and was doted on by his older siblings: Allison, Bridget & Russell and later by his extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Brian’s early years were shaped by an adoring family and carefree and playful youthfulness that led to an early modeling career and, for a time, as “Mikey” on the Life Cereal box.

Brian was a gifted student and earned distinction everywhere he went starting at Northridge Prep, then to Notre Dame High School, continuing his education at Indiana University andfinally to University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.

Brian used this intellectual talent to secure an internship at the US Department of the Treasury and then to begin a meteoric law career culminating in partner positions at McDermott, Will & Emory and then at Winston & Strawn, LLP. In Washington D.C.

Despite his professional success, Brian was not a taker in life. In high school, Brian mentored a neighborhood boy struggling with developmental and physical disabilities. Brian gave of his time and of himself and showed a depth and empathy far beyond his youth.

As one of the youngest partners at McDermott, Will & Emory, Brian was a leading advocate for the poor and successfully litigated on their behalf to retain housing and to maintain dignity in the face of injustice. Brian successfully pushed for additional pro bono resources in this area and was awarded Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for the District of Columbia in 2013. His area of practice was Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation.

As a young man with both passion and an intense sense of empathy, Brian was also subject to depression, which he battled for several years. He chose to end his life just days before his 40th birthday.

Our beloved son, Brian Andrew Benko, brother, friend, and talented attorney —died on Friday, August 12, 2022, at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 39 years old.

Our hearts are broken and today we are unable to express the depth of our sorrow. As a family we are holding each other close and are committed to choosing “Joy” as a path forward. This will hopefully be a symbol of healing and a way to celebrate the life of our son and all that he means to us and to those that he has touched.

His close family, friends and co-workers offered Brian their support and for that we are eternally grateful. The outpouring of stories and remembrances of the son that we will always love will eventually make our sorrow a bit easier to bear. We thank you!!

Brian is survived by his parents, Russell & Maureen Benko; his sisters Allison (Keeley) Benko, & Bridget Benko; and his brother, Russell Benko.

Brian is also survived by his girlfriend of 9 years, Kimberley Cherry. They enjoyed a near decade's worth of trips, events, performances, and family get togethers.

Private services were held at the St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge, IL on August 22, 2022. Internment services were held at St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery in Niles, IL.

In lieu of condolences, we request that donations be sent to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Read less On August 15, 1982, Brian Andrew Benko was born to ... Read moreecstatic parents, Russell and Maureen in Park Ridge, IL. As the fourth, and last sibling, he was loved in a treasured way and was doted on by his older siblings: Allison, Bridget & Russell and later by his extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Brian’s early years were shaped by an adoring family and carefree and playful youthfulness that led to an early modeling career and, for a time, as “Mikey” on the Life Cereal box.

Brian was a gifted student and earned distinction everywhere he went starting at Northridge Prep, then to Notre Dame High School, continuing his education at Indiana University andfinally to University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.

Brian used this intellectual talent to secure an internship at the US Department of the Treasury and then to begin a meteoric law career culminating in partner positions at McDermott, Will & Emory and then at Winston & Strawn, LLP. In Washington D.C.

Despite his professional success, Brian was not a taker in life. In high school, Brian mentored a neighborhood boy struggling with developmental and physical disabilities. Brian gave of his time and of himself and showed a depth and empathy far beyond his youth.

As one of the youngest partners at McDermott, Will & Emory, Brian was a leading advocate for the poor and successfully litigated on their behalf to retain housing and to maintain dignity in the face of injustice. Brian successfully pushed for additional pro bono resources in this area and was awarded Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for the District of Columbia in 2013. His area of practice was Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation.

As a young man with both passion and an intense sense of empathy, Brian was also subject to depression, which he battled for several years. He chose to end his life just days before his 40th birthday.

Our beloved son, Brian Andrew Benko, brother, friend, and talented attorney —died on Friday, August 12, 2022, at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 39 years old.

Our hearts are broken and today we are unable to express the depth of our sorrow. As a family we are holding each other close and are committed to choosing “Joy” as a path forward. This will hopefully be a symbol of healing and a way to celebrate the life of our son and all that he means to us and to those that he has touched.

His close family, friends and co-workers offered Brian their support and for that we are eternally grateful. The outpouring of stories and remembrances of the son that we will always love will eventually make our sorrow a bit easier to bear. We thank you!!

Brian is survived by his parents, Russell & Maureen Benko; his sisters Allison (Keeley) Benko, & Bridget Benko; and his brother, Russell Benko.

Brian is also survived by his girlfriend of 9 years, Kimberley Cherry. They enjoyed a near decade's worth of trips, events, performances, and family get togethers.

Private services were held at the St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge, IL on August 22, 2022. Internment services were held at St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery in Niles, IL.

In lieu of condolences, we request that donations be sent to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Read less

Todd Solomon

Brian was a colleague of ours at McDermott for many years. He had a zest for life and especially for our technical subject matter like Joe Urwitz referenced in his comments. I had a lot of respect for him, especially his dedication to public service and pro bono, which is relatively uncommon for a partner at a law firm. In Brian’s memory, McDermott and Brian’s former colleagues are collectively making a donation to the DC Bar Foundation, which awarded Brian the well-deserved pro bono lawyer of the year award in 2013. Rest in peace.

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Joe Urwitz

Allison Keeley

Ira Mirsky

Dave Mackeben

I’ll always remember Brian as a wonderful boy when I knew him best during his youth. He seems to have grown into a fine gentleman, and I regret not knowing him better at his time of passing.

My condolences. 💔😢.

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Allison Keeley

Dave Mackeben

Sycamore, IL, USA

Carried this in my wallet for years. Will always keep.

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Allison Keeley

Comments:

Laura Coale

That's how I remember him the most. Thanks for posting this photo. That's how I remember him the most. Thanks for posting this photo. That's how I remember him the most. Thanks for posting... Read more

Maureen Benko

Forever in our hearts

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Dave Mackeben

Allison Keeley

Maureen Benko

2013, Washington D.C., DC, USA

District of Columbia Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year

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Dave Mackeben

Allison Keeley

Joe Urwitz

I used to work with Brian when we were both at McDermott, Will & Emery, where we were both employee benefits attorneys. Brian had so much enthusiasm for the relatively obscure and esoteric area of the law in which we practice. The last time I saw him was at the firm's Partners' Retreat in 2017; he spent a long time telling me about a really interesting proposal relating to 401(k) and other qualified plans. His excitement was contagious, and I found myself drawn in. He was a great colleague and will be missed.

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Dave Mackeben

Allison Keeley

Ira Mirsky

Kimberley Cherry

Shared a heart

David Diaz

2016

Cubs fans and friends — with Dave Diaz

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Dave Mackeben

Allison Keeley

Ira Mirsky

Comments:

Joe Urwitz

Great pic, Dave. Great pic, Dave. Great pic, Dave.

Evan Wu

Dave Mackeben

Allison Keeley

Comments:

Evan Wu

I cannot believe we’ve known each other for 15+ years, and it was so nice to get close again in the last ... Read more I cannot believe we’ve known each other for 15+ years, and it was so nice to get close again in the last few years. Thanks for... Read more I cannot believe we’ve known each other for 15+ years,... Read more

Laura Coale

Shared a heart

Tim Reilly

This is devastating. Brian was a kind, soft hearted, thoughtful, beautiful guy. He was the kind of friend everyone hopes they get to have. He made life fun and was a truly interesting person to be around.

He wore a tuxedo to class in law school and was constantly willing to kid around. Everybody liked him.

His intellect was the only thing that was bigger than his personality.

Miss you brother. See you again one day.

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