Tom Benson, the owner of the National Basketball Association's New Orleans Pelicans, as well as the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League and who late in life tasted success as a Thoroughbred owner, passed away peacefully Thursday, Mar. 15, at Ochsner Medical Center with his wife Gayle Marie Benson at his bedside. He was 90 years old.
Born July 12, 1927 in New Orleans, Benson enrolled at Loyola University (New Orleans) and interrupted his business and accounting education, to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned to the USS Dakota. He returned home following the conclusion of World War II to continue his studies.
Having accepted a job in 1948 as a bookkeeper for the Cathey Chevrolet Co., Benson was well on his way to manage a Chevrolet dealership before he had turned 30. In 1962, he took full control of the company, establishing outlets throughout the New Orleans area and extending into South Texas. In 1972, Benson entered the banking business, ultimately taking his company public as Benson Financial World.
When the Saints were on the verge of being sold to parties interested in possible relocation of the franchise, Benson stepped in to purchase the team May 31, 1985. He became one of the league's most respected owners while serving as the Chairman of the league's finance committee. New Orleans also became a five-time host of the Super Bowl after his purchase.
In 2012, Benson purchased the NBA franchise, then known as the Hornets, and rebranded and renamed it the New Orleans Pelicans. Benson is also well respected for his philanthropic undertakings, routinely putting significant sums of money back into local communities.
According to Equibase statistics, Benson, racing under his GMB Racing banner, won 16 races from 95 starters and earned better than $2.1 million in purse money. His top runners were 2016 GII Woody Stephens S. winner Tom's Ready (More Than Ready) and Mo Tom (Uncle Mo), victorious in the 2016 GIII Lecomte S. His horses were trained primarily by Tom Amoss and Dallas Stewart.
Details regarding a public visitation and funeral arrangements are forthcoming.
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