Ira "Ben" Munson, 93, of Wallingford and North Haven, beloved husband of the late Helen (Davis) Munson, departed this life on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at the Masonic Healthcare Center in Wallingford. Ira was born on September 21, 1915 in Wallingford, son of the late Chauncey and Jennie (Barthlomew) Munson. He grew up on a farm during the great depression. He met his late wife Helen at a play in North Haven. He married Helen on March 19, 1939 and they started Munson Auto Sales in North Haven. Ira was a member of the Wallingford Grange for 75 years as well as the North Haven Congregational Church for over 50 years. He enjoyed and thrived on the social life at Pond Ridge of Ashlar Village in Wallingford for last 4 years. He will be sadly missed by his sons and their families: Bryant Munson and his wife Sara of North Haven , and Alan Munson and his wife Helaine of California. He also leaves one sister, Lois Toelles of California in addition to four grandchildren: Philip Munson and Jennifer Munson-Dunkle the children of Bryant, and Derreck Munson and Brianna Munson children of Alan. Ira is preceded in death by a brother Ralph Munson and a sister Eunice Gilbert. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 14th at 9:30 AM at the Northford Cemetery. A Memorial service will follow on Saturday at 11 AM in the North Haven Congregational Church with a reception to follow in the church hall. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Eleanor Cooper Maintenance Fund of the North Haven Congregational Church, 28 Church Street, North Haven, CT 06473.