Arthur A. Benoit

1928 - 2014

SOUTH HADLEY - Arthur A. Benoit, 85, of Newton Street, died Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at Baystate Medical Center.

Born July 23, 1928, in Holyoke, he was the son of Arthur J. and Lillie (Beaulieu) Benoit. A lifelong resident of South Hadley, he was a graduate of South Hadley High School and went on to St. Michael's College, Hampden College of Pharmacy, receiving a bachelor's degree from American International College, and a Master of Science and Certificate of Advanced Studies degree from Springfield College. He holds a doctorate from Florida Research Institute's School of Humanities.

He enjoyed the 58 years he spent working in various pharmacies, beginning with Dietel's Drug Store in South Hadley, and later retiring from Center Pharmacy in Granby, where he worked until 2012. He began his career in education as a teacher in biology and chemistry at Enfield High School and later became a Certified Educational - Vocational Counselor at Enrico Fermi High School in Enfield, Connecticut, retiring in 1987.

Mr. Benoit served on the South Hadley School Committee for four years, and as its chair for one year. He was an Army Veteran of World War II and a member of the Benjamin C. White Post, VFW and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1721. Mr. Benoit was a communicant of St. Theresa's Church.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 59 years, Claire (Mochon) Benoit, and his children Daniel A. and wife Diana of Cairo, New York, Anne Marie Walczak and husband David of Wilbraham, Stephen N. and his wife Nicole Ginzberg of Lincoln, Rhode Island, and Jacqueline C. Cowles and her husband Andrew of Amherst. Additionally five grandchildren survive him as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Friday, June 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St., (Rt. 116), South Hadley. A funeral will be Saturday, June 7, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Theresa's Church. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.

For those wishing, donations may be made in his memory to St. Theresa's Church, Park Street.

For more information, please visit www.beersandstory.com.

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