John H. “Jinks” Benoit
...well known Chef; Disabled Army Veteran 82
CHELMSFORD - John H. “Jinks” Benoit, age 82, a well known Chef in the Merrimack Valley,
died Thursday afternoon, Jan. 5, at his Chelmsford home after a lengthy illness. He was the
husband of Gladys M. (Doliber) Benoit, with whom he would have celebrated a 60th wedding
anniversary on March 3rd.
He was born in Lowell, on April 16, 1923, a son of the late Arthur and Agnes (Hurley) Benoit,
and lived the greater part of his life in Tewksbury. He was educated in Tewksbury’s school
system. He had resided in Chelmsford for the last two decades.
During WWII, he enlisted into the US Army, and served in North Africa and Italy. He received a
permanent disability from battle injuries received in Europe.
Upon discharge from the Army, he became a Chef and worked throughout the Merrimack Valley
in numerous restaurants.
He was fondly described by his family as having possessed a keen sense of humor throughout his
life, and a warm and gentle smile for all who knew him.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jean Elizabeth Benoit and her spouse George
Mortis of Ashby, MA; a son, John H. Benoit Jr. of Englewood, FL; two sisters, Agnes David of
Billerica and Mary Turcotte of Tewksbury; a brother and four sisters-in-law, Thomas and his wife
Joan (Smith) Benoit, Joan (Arlen) Benoit and Dorothy (Doliber) Benoit all of Tewksbury, Elsie
Benoit of TX; six grandchildren, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Barry of Pepperell, Raymond Francisco of
Salisbury, Lenore Benoit of Boston, Christine Benoit of Lowell, and twins, Shannon Marie
Benoit, and John H. Benoit III of FL; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was also brother of the late Arthur Francis, James Howard, William, Raymond “Sonny” and
Robert Benoit.
His Funeral Service was held Monday, Jan. 9, in the funeral home. Burial with Army honors wasin Tewksbury
Cemetery. Memorials to the Greater Lowell, VNA Hospice, P.O. Box 1965,
Lowell, MA 01853 will be appreciated.