The Benedum family no longer has any heirs to carry on the family name, or to own and operate the family residence near Ligonier. Butterfly Farm, owned by the late philanthropist Paul G. Benedum, known by most as “Benny,” died from a heart attack while visiting Florida in May 2023.
His death and no family heirs have resulted in the sale of the expansive estate in Cook Township near Ligonier. Neighbor Jerry McDowell was Benny’s close friend and longtime caretaker of Butterfly Farm. “It’s the only job I’ve ever had,” McDowell said while providing a tour of the secluded, serene and heavily wooded farm that offers sweeping views of the countryside and the ultimate in privacy blended with nature.
“That’s what’s so sad. It’s the end of an era. “Benny liked to sit on the bleachers and enjoy the view,” McDowell said, pointing to wooden bleachers overlooking a massive field with rolling hills in the distance.
McDowell was 12 when the buzz surrounding the new construction of the Benedum home was the big news in 1969. “My father was the caretaker and I took over from him,” McDowell said. Processing Benny’s death and the sale of the farm has been emotional for him.
“Benny was like a big brother to me. He always called me his little brother,” he said. Mike Higgins became friends with Benny more than 50 years ago while attending a party at the Fox Chapel Golf Club hosted by Benedum’s father.
“He was the last surviving Benedum,” said Higgins, 83, of.