Benny J. Argento, Sr., 87, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on August 9, 2023 after a long illness.

Benny was born March 16, 1936 in Harewood, WV. He was a graduate of South Charleston High School, attended Morris Harvey College, and Graduated from West Virginia State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry.

Benny was a scientist who spent 40 years working in R&D, and product development, for Union Carbide, Bayer, and ARCO Chemical. He held several US patents and received awards in the field of polyurethanes and foams.

He was active in the community, coaching little league baseball and YMCA basketball. He was on the Scout Committee for Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop 242. He was also a volunteer chemistry tutor and a partner in the Rock Lake Community Life Center. Benny was an Elder at Rock Lake Presbyterian Church where he had been a member for 60 years.

Benny was also an avid aviationist.   He served in the United States Air Force, was a private pilot, and owned and operated his own planes out of Mallory Airport in South Charleston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Argento and Ernie and Lillian Chieves; sisters, Linda Kersey and Darlene Bayes.

Benny is survived by his wife of 67 years, Donie; son, John Argento (Debbie) and grandchildren, Katrina (Josh), Benny, and Victoria, of North Carolina, and son, Scott Argento (Teresa) and grandchildren, Sarah and Nathan, of South Charleston; brother-in-law, Rick Bayes.

A service to Honor the Life of Benny will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 19, 2023 in Cunningham Memorial Park Upper Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. Dr. Patricia Jarvis officiating. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday, August 18, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.

Online condolences and memories of Benny may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com/ and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.