Richard O. Benoit

Richard O. Benoit 1936 - 2022 Chicopee It is with heavy hearts that we wish to announce the passing of Richard O. Benoit, who passed away on October 20, 2022 at the age of 86. A son of the late Ely and Edna (Dion) Benoit, Richard was born on May 18, 1936 in Springfield. He was a graduate of Springfield Tech High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. For 28 years Dick was a member of the Amalgamated Transit Local 1512 as a bus driver for Peter Pan, where he became one of their 2 million mile drivers. One of his fondest memories with Peter Pan was being able to drive for the AHL's Springfield hockey club. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #69, achieving the level of 3rd Degree Knight and participated in golf and bowling leagues. Dick was also a sports enthusiast, rooting for his NY Yankees, Giants, Rangers, Notre Dame football and John Calipari's Kentucky basketball teams. He also proudly represented his grandchildren's collegiate sports teams. Dick will be forever missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Kathleen (O'Neill) Benoit, his sons Steve and his wife, Claire, of West Springfield, David, of Richardson, TX, and his daughter Lisa Menard and her husband, Jim, of South Hadley. Dick also leaves his 8 beloved grandchildren: Nicole, Eric, Danielle, Lynzee, Dylan (Madeline), Benjamin, Christopher (Danielle), and Claudia, as well as his 2 great-grandchildren Juliana and Alessandra, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to his parents, Dick was also predeceased by his brother Roger. The Benoit Family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Baystate Medical Center for their exceptional care and compassion and also to Dicks' PCA from VA Healthcare, Luis Santiago, with whom Dick developed a close friendship. Friends and family are invited to meet directly at Holy Name Parish, 94 Springfield St., Chicopee, at 9:30am on Wednesday, October 26 for a Liturgy of Christian Burial with Fr. Donald R. LaPointe officiating, followed by committal services at MA Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Corridan Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Dick's name can be made to VA Central Western MA Healthcare System at www.VA.gov. To share a memory or to leave your condolences for the family, please visit www.CorridanFuneral.com