Benson L. Hoover, 84, of Valencia passed away Monday.

He was the beloved husband of Lorraine (Lutz) Hoover; loving father of Robert (Marcy) Hoover, Susan (Lee) Kovac, Benson (Denise) Hoover and Bruce (Jane) Hoover; step-father of Diana (Joseph) Schulties, Richard Lutz and Cynthia (James) Fiscus; and brother of Donald, Sidney and Lloyd. He also is survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Ben was preceded in death by his first wife, the late Shirley (Guild) Hoover.

Ben was the former owner of Hoover's Restaurant, formerly Nursery Tea Room. He was an executive chef at several prestigious restaurants across the region, was a Certified Executive Chef, held numerous national culinary awards, was past president of the Chef's Association of Pittsburgh and was a member of the American Culinary Federation.

A World War II Army veteran, he loved being outdoors, hunting and cooking.

HOOVER — Friends of Benson L. Hoover, who passed away Monday, June 11, 2012, will be welcome from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Schellhaas Funeral Home, 5864 Heckert Road, Bakerstown.In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association.Please offer a personal tribute at www.schellhaasfh.com.