Robert Edward Benoit, Sr., 90, beloved husband, of 68 years, of Theresa L. (Roy) Benoit of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, at Heritage Hall North Nursing Home in Agawam. Born on July 27, 1925 in Springfield, MA, son of Joseph and Maida (Barnes) Benoit, he was a lifelong resident here. Robert served his country honorably as Radioman Second Class in the U.S. Navy, during WW II. Upon returning to Springfield, after the war, he married his beloved wife, Theresa in 1947 and together they raised their family in the Forest Park section of Springfield. Robert was a foreman for many years at Charlie Arment Trucking in Springfield, before retiring in 2005. He was a parishioner of Holy Name Church in Springfield. In his younger years, he was a good card player and bowled avidly at Riverdale Lanes in West Springfield. Robert was loved by his family who thought of him as the salt of the earth. Besides his wife, Theresa, he is survived by his loving children, Annette Atkins of Tucson, AZ, Francis Benoit and his wife, Donna Marie, and Susan Wilkie, all of West Springfield, Robert E. Benoit, Jr. and his wife, Theresa, Linda Herron and her husband, Greg, Donna Mae Benoit, and Paul Benoit all of Springfield; 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Robert was predeceased by his brother, Francis; sister, Marge Duncan; step sister, Eleanor Beland. His family wishes to thank all of the staff and Doctors at Heritage Hall North for their kind and compassionate care shown to Robert in his time of need. Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, Nov. 18, for a period of visitation for Robert from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Hafey Springfield Chapels, 494 Belmont Ave., followed by a funeral home service at 1 p.m. Committal prayers with military honors will follow immediately after the service at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 264 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104. www.hafeyfuneralservice.com

[Published in The Springfield Republican from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15, 2015]