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NEWARK - Gerard Paul Benedict, 65, died on Friday, (May 11, 2012), following an accident in the Catskill Mountains.
Family and friends may attend a Memorial Service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, (May 17) at the Park Presbyterian Church, Maple Court, Newark. There will be no prior calling hours.
In memory of Gerry, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the CCE Wayne County Master Gardener Program, 1581 Route 88 North, Newark, N.Y. 14513; Finger Lakes Trail Conference, 6111 Visitor Center Rd, Mt. Morris, N.Y. 14510; or to Center for Donation and Transplant, 218 Great Oaks Blvd., Albany, N.Y. 12203 or by visiting www.cdtny.org.
Gerry was born the son of Rev. Dan and Edith (Andrus) Benedict on September 10, 1946 in Oneida, N.Y. After college Gerry served in the Peace Corp in India for 3 years. He was a Biology teacher for 35 years for Midlakes Central High School. He was a member of Park Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon. Gerry was an avid volunteer in his retirement: he helped at the Newark Food Closet, he had attained Master Gardner Status and he was a frequent blood donor for the Red Cross. He donated his liver and kidneys after his death. Gerry was a member of the Ontario Finger Lakes Bee Keeper Assoc, Master Gardeners of Wayne County, and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) Alley Cat Crew. The day of his accident, he was volunteering for the FLTC clearing trails in the Catskill Mountains. Get to know more about Gerry and his interests at his blog at www.chendrashakersworld.blogspot.com
Gerry will be remembered by his loving wife of 41 years Susan (Van Wyk) Benedict; sons, Todd (Denise) of Penn., Jason of Texas, and Ian (Amber) of Macedon; daughters, Shannon Benedict, Jana (Andre) Benedict-Karjohn, and Cara Benedict all of Fla.; two grandchildren, Nolan and Braylan; parents, Rev. Dan and Edith Benedict of Newark; brothers, Rev. Dan Jr. (Mary O.) of Hawaii, Dexter (Faith) of Penn Yan and Steven (Linda) Benedict of Newark; sisters, Becky (Bob) Bialaszewski of Newark; Ruth (Jerry) Rose of Penn Yan, Rachel (Alan) Doan of Penn Yan and Esther (Norma Anderson) Benedict of Texas; and many other members of his extended family.
You may light a candle of memory or condolence by visiting www.waterman funeralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I have a red bud tree that Gerry brought to the Master Gardener plant sale. Forget-me-nots bloom at its base. It's a wonderful reminder of a great guy.
Lynda Parmelee
Friend
May 9, 2020
Dear Rev. and Mrs Benedict and all of your family,
How saddened I was to hear the news of Gerry's death. I never really knew him, but stories of his time in India were legendary to me as a young teen and his cross country bike excursion and other "extreme" endeavors inspired me in my own substatial walking, biking, and hiking adventures that remain a part of my life to this day, fourty year later.
From what I have read and from what little I knew of Gerry, he seeemed like an extraordinary man. I am sure that he will be greatly missed. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God hold you ever close to him and he be a source of comfort to you in your time of need.
With love and prayers,
Marge
Marjorie Swarthout
June 2, 2012
My condolences to Sue and all his family. I've been praying for you all.
Elaine Batterby
May 18, 2012
Saddened to hear of Mr. Benedict's passing. It sounds as if he was doing what he loved right up until his final days, which is to be admired. I had him for earth science at Midlakes, and I am totally serious - I never see a meandering stream without thinking of him. The lesson he taught on that always stuck with me for some reason. Something to be said for that, as evidence of his skill as a teacher. I remember him showing us pictures from India as well. Although we were probably too young and immature to appreciate it at the time, he had a boundless enthusiasm for his job and in looking over his blog, it's clear he was a fascinating man who was loved by all. My condolences to his family and friends...and thanks for all you did Mr. Benedict - Midlakes student - Class of 1989
May 17, 2012
All the CCE Master Gardeners will miss Gerry--he was a Treasure.
Lynda Parmelee
May 17, 2012
Our most sincere condolences.
Slentz family
May 16, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. He had the greatest positive attitude, an amazing work ethic, with an awesome child's humor to boot! Sue and Gerry stayed w me in '79 where Gerry breezed the Maryland Marathon in 2:37. Just another day for us. I still do my best to emulate that upright, smooth as silk upper body, strong arm, great kick, motion today, 40 years later. Gerry and Tom Bugliosi would be my 2 first real running mates. For Tom, and for me, thanks, Gerry, we will miss you.
Henry Peck
May 16, 2012
I remember Mr. Benedict , he was a wonderful teacher and will be sadly missed .
Laurel Salisbury Hoberg (Phelps, NY/Göteborg Sweden)
Laurel Hoberg
May 16, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of Jerry Benedict's death this past weekend. He was a special coach, a special teacher, and a good friend to all his students at Midlakes. I hope his family knows how many lives he touched. He will be remembered and missed by so many. He is gone too soon. Rest in peace, Coach, knowing that you made a difference.
Barb Hopkins, mom to Kim,XCountry,Bio,AP Bio; Scott,XCountry, Bio, AP Bio;
Laura, Bio, AP Bio.
Barb Hopkins
May 15, 2012
I taught with Gerry for many years before teaching on the MS level. What a professional teacher and a wonderful person to his students and collegues. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him at Midlakes and in his personal life. I was saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Pam Bement
May 15, 2012
I had Mr. Benedict for Biology at Midlakes. He was had a quirky personality and a unique way to help students learn. He was a great teach. RIP.
May 15, 2012
So very sorry for your loss. Mr. Benedict was my Biology teacher years ago and you could tell that he loved his job because he was excellent with us students. He will never be forgotten.
A Rearick
May 15, 2012
Mr. Benedict was an amazing teacher and wonderful inspiration to all of his students. I became a teacher because of teachers like Mr. Benedict. He brought his life and love of the environment into his classroom.
Kathryn Clouthier-Wilhelm
Kathryn Clouthier-Wilhelm
May 15, 2012
Mr. Benedict was an amazing teacher and wonderful inspiration to all of his students.
Kathryn Clouthier-Wilhelm
Kathryn Clouthier-Wilhelm
May 15, 2012
Gerry was an example for all of us - thinking locally and acting globally. His spirit of volunteerism was only dwarfed by his love of learning. He will be sorely missed.
A community member
May 15, 2012
Mr. Benedict was an excellent example of a man who cared about his fellow man and the world in which we live. He taught our children more than just biology, and we are saddened by his loss.
Clock Family
May 15, 2012
I had Mr Benedict for Biology in High School he shared so much with his students. I remember walking to the creek with him to look for organisms in the water and how excited he was when we found something. His joy and excitement for the environment was differently passed down to his students. Often on my way home from school I would see Mr Benedict picking up trash from the side of the road and I would think wow a teachers who does what he says we should so do what a great example. you will be missed!
Student
May 15, 2012
Gerry was a personal friend and a valued colleague for over thirty years at Midlakes. Whether exchanging professional concerns or sharing on a personal level, his genuine warmth and consummate professionalism were appreciated by all who worked with him.
John Osterhout
May 15, 2012
Our Heartfelt Sympathy-you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. He was a wonderful and kind man and a great neighbor. He will truly be missed. May all your memories give rise to big smiles.
Sue & Kevin Sullivan
May 15, 2012
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