PALMER - Bernard H. "Barney" Benoit, 66, of the Bondsville Village of Palmer, was Called Safely Home on Friday, July 14, 2017. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Holyoke on June 30, 1951, a beloved son of the late Arthur R. and Cecile M. (Fontaine) Benoit. He was raised in South Hadley and graduated from South Hadley High School. He lived in Chicopee for many years and for the past several years had lived in Bondsville. He furthered his education and received an Associate's Degree in Automotive Mechanics from Springfield Technical Community College. He was last employed as a machinist at Monsanto, which later became Solutia, in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield. Previously, he was employed at the former Mutual Ford in Springfield, and Marion Excavating and James River Graphics, both in South Hadley. He was a former member of the Tigers Athletic Club in Chicopee Falls. He enjoyed fishing and also enjoyed having a Miller with his friends while playing keno. Barney was a quiet man who enjoyed spending time with his family and his many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his dear brother, William A. Benoit who was Called Home on May 6, 2002; and his dear brother-in-law, M. Brian Bender who was Called Home on October 3, 2007. He leaves his two beloved sons, Michael D. Benoit and his wife, Jennifer, of Bennington, VT and Kevin H. Benoit of Chicopee; his four loving grandchildren, Cole, Dasia, Acadia and Jace Benoit; his former wife, Linda M. (Leonard) Benoit of Chicopee; his dear brother, Robert R. "Bob" Benoit and his wife, Tzumay "AiAi", of Vacaville, CA; his dear sister, Elizabeth M. "Betsy" Bender of Chicopee; his dear sister-in-law, Carol Benoit of Chicopee; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and extended members of the Benoit, Fontaine and Bender families. His Funeral will be private at the convenience of his family. His funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. His family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, (Please specify Springfield), 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
