Milton “Milt” Ernest Benardis

Milton “Milt” Ernest Benardis, 83, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. He was born March 16, 1942, in Salt Lake City to Ernest Meletios Benardis and Brunhilde Gerwien.

Milton grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from South High School. Through hard work and dedication, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Utah. He was the first in his family to attend college. Milton spent nearly thirty years serving the State of Utah with the Department of Employment Security Fiscal Department, where he was valued for his steady professionalism and commitment to public service.

Milton proudly served in the Utah National Guard and remained active in community and civic organizations throughout his life. He was an avid antique car enthusiast and collector. He served as the national technical advisor for 1953–1954 Chevrolets for the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America and as past president of the local chapter of the Vintage Motor Car Club of America. He took great pride in restoring, exhibiting, parading, and enjoying his fleet of cars. Milton also served as president of the Golden Spike Chapter of the International Footprinters Association, where he was honored as Footprinter of the Year. He was always happy to be around “his people,” often enjoying good food and conversation at his dear friend Kosta’s restaurant, The Other Place. Milton is remembered for his warm nature and quick wit, qualities that endeared him to friends, colleagues, and fellow hobbyists throughout his life. The family extends special gratitude to Father Elias Koucos, Gary McNally, and Steve Linde for their faithful friendship to the very end.

Milton married Donna Belsom in July 1968, and although they later divorced in January 1980, they remained friends, and he often celebrated holidays with Donna and Gary’s blended families.

He is survived by his elder sister, Katherine Yalanzon; his son, Christopher (Makiko); his two grandsons, Kojun and Joseph; and his niece, Nancy Keith (Ron). He was preceded in death by his parents.

Orphans for almost fifty years, Milton remained close to his only sister, Katherine, who married and moved out of Utah early on, while Milton lived in Utah his entire life except for his brief out of state military training. In later years, they came to rely on each other through daily conversations. She is brokenhearted that she is not physically able to attend her “baby brother’s” last rites. At 98, distance and age make travel too risky and impossible, but she promises to be there in spirit.

The family wishes to express aparticular appreciation to the staff at IMC and Aspen Ridge Rehabilitation Centers for their patient, kind, and diligent care of Milton during his final months of life.

Funeral services will be held for family and friends on Friday, February 6, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, with a viewing and prayer service at 10:00 a.m. and funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery immediately following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.  Share your photos and memories with his family at www.starksfuneral.com

“When someone we love dies, God hides a smile in every memory and hope in every tear.” —Anonymous