William H. Behenna

MATTAPOISETT - William H. Behenna, 88, of Mattapoisett, died November 18, 2010, at home after a brief illness. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Kelley) Behenna.

Born in Somerville, MA, the son of the late Edgar and Alice (Gerrior) Behenna, he formerly lived in Belmont and was a summer resident of Mattapoisett since 1961. He was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church.

Mr. Behenna was employed as a manufacturers' representative for McTague Associates.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and continued with the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1957.

Mr. Behenna is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth; a daughter, Michele Burgess and her husband, Russell of Branford, CT; a son, David Behenna and his wife, Laura of Palos Verdes Estates, CA; a sister, Alice McRae of Hull; three brothers, Robert Behenna of Plymouth, Peter Behenna of Desert Hot Springs, CA, and Brother Eugene Behenna, C.F.X. of Middletown, CT; seven grandchildren, Matthew Burgess, Katherine DiMarco, Meghan Burgess, Susan Mego, Natalie Behenna, William Behenna II and Christopher Behenna; and many nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 27, at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony's Church, Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Anthony's Church, P.O. Box 501, Mattapoisett, MA 02739, or Southcoast Hospice & Palliative Care at 200 Mill Road, Suite 120, Fairhaven, MA 02719.

Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.