CHICOPEE – Edward N. Benard, 87, of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Sunday, March 30, 2014. He passed into Eternal Life at Wingate at Wilbraham surrounded by the care and comfort of his wonderful caregivers for nearly the past five years and his loving family. He was born at home on Britton Street in the Fairview section of Chicopee on November 29, 1925, a beloved son of the late Norman and Ludwina (Tougas) Benard. He was raised in Chicopee, attended local schools, and lived in the city for nearly his entire life. His work career spanned many years at the former Westinghouse Corporation in Springfield and Savage Arms in Chicopee. He was last employed for over 30 years for the George Croteau & Sons Construction Company in Chicopee and retired in 1988. Active in his faith, he was a longtime communicant of the former Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Chicopee where he dedicated his time and talents. He was a member of their Folk Group and an active parishioner for many of the parish fundraisers. Edward was a longtime Scout Leader for Boy Scout Troop 132 at Assumption Church, a life member of Elder Council 69 Knights of Columbus in Chicopee where he volunteered at bingo and their spaghetti suppers, and a longtime member of the Pioneer Valley 8 NAFCA Campers. He was a talented comedy performer at many of the AJAC shows in Chicopee and other area shows. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Cecile M. (Geoffroy) Benard. They were married on November 9, 1946 at the former Saint George Church in Chicopee Falls and were blessed with over 67 years of happiness together. He also leaves his four loving sons, Richard E. Benard and his wife, Julie, of Agawam, Ronald J. Benard and his wife, Dale, of Chicopee, Roger N. Benard and his partner, Gail Lagoditz, of Westfield, and Robert P. Benard and his wife, Donna, of Southampton; his 12 cherished grandchildren, Richard, Neil, Aaron, Katie, and Allison Benard, Jeffrey and Daniel Benard, Danyella Benard, and Nathan, Lauren, and twins Ethan and Erin Benard; his six cherished great grandchildren; his dear brother, Gerald “Les” Benard and his wife, Viola, of Agawam; his dear sister, Agnes Barber of Springfield; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended members of the Benard and Geoffroy families. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his dear sisters, Vivian, Cecile and Florence. His funeral will be held on Thursday morning, April 3, 2014 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.) followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Saint Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His burial will follow the Mass at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. before the Mass. The parking lot is located in the rear of the funeral home. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to Saint Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com