David Reed Benfer, 64, of Reading passed away unexpectedly while vacationing with his wife on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Lake Placid, New York. He was born on November 10, 1961, in Carlisle and was the son of the late Raymond Benfer and Barbara (Reed) Benfer Smith.

David attended Carlisle High School. He was a U. S. Navy veteran having served from 1984 to 1994. He was employed as an Ontelaunee Power Plant Contol Room operator for Vistra Corporation in Berks County for 25 years. David enjoyed bicycling, cooking and gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years Elena (Onina) Benfer, two sons, Kyle (wife Caislin) Ingram of Lebanon and Zachary Benfer also of Lebanon, two daughters, Shelly (husband Michael) Beeler of Waynesboro and Ariel (fiancé Luke) Kissinger of New Paris, Ohio, two stepsons, Ilya (wife Jenna) Ignatenko of Reading and Alexander (fiancé Shannon) Ignatenko of Philadelphia, two sisters, Susan Trimmer of Carlisle and Peggy (husband Tom) Jones of South Bend, Indiana, two grandchildren Elijah Kissinger of Lebanon, Mackenzie Beeler of Waynesboro and four nephews.

A viewing will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle with Rev. Richard Reese officiating. The burial with military honors will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Those wishing to attend the burial service should meet at the rear of the cemetery administration building no later than 11:15 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. To send condolences please visit EwingBrothers.com.