Bennett A. Millstone, 85, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. His immediate and extended family mattered most to him.
He owned and operated Morgantown Travel Service for over 50 years. During his ownership, it became one of the top 500 travel agencies in the USA. He was driven by innovation, and the business became the first fully automated travel agency in the USA outside of New York City. Bennett was an invited guest of the Prime Minister of Tanzania, and President Jean-Claude Duvalier, Baby Doc of Haiti. He was also chosen as Travel Agent Magazine “Travel Agent of the Month.”
Bennett was preceded in death by the love of his life, Muriel Zilber Millstone and his parents, Godfrey and Hilda Millstone. He is survived by his two children, Paula Millstone and Godfrey (Jennifer) Millstone; grandchildren, Ian and Carson, all of Morgantown; brother, David (Dvora) Millstone, of Shaker Heights, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bennett had many hobbies and interests. His favorite pastime was playing Scrabble with his family. He was known to use the most obscure words, which usually led to his victories. In his earlier years, he loved playing golf, tennis and poker with his friends as well as coaching youth baseball. He was an avid Mountaineer fan and rarely missed a football or basketball game. He often traveled to away games and lead alumni groups through his travel agency to watch bowl games. He grew up watching sports and continued until his passing, discussing highlights with his son and grandchildren.
Bennett was president of the Tree of Life Congregation for 10-plus years, president of B’Nai B’rith of West Virginia and was still state president of the WVU Hillel House. He and his wife were very active in the Morgantown community and volunteered for many organizations, helping others through the Rosenbaum House, Soup Kitchen and Make-A-Wish. He was also a long-time member of Lions Club International. His most recent work was delivering meals through Meals-On-Wheels with his grandsons and close friends. As a business owner, he was very active in Main Street Morgantown Program for many years.
Honoring his wishes, he will be cremated. Donations may be made in his memory to Hillel International, earmarked for WVU Hillel House in memory of Bennett Millstone. A celebration of his life will be held at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18.
Caring services are being provided by Dering-Henson Funeral Home.
