Francis "Sam" Benoit

Francis “Sam” Benoit, 76, of Rochdale previously of Auburn, passed away peacefully surrounded by the ones he loved on December 24th, 2024. 

Sam was born in Worcester, the son of Oliver and Evelyn (Arenburg) Benoit. He was raised in North Grafton and graduated from Grafton High School. Sam joined the U.S. Army in December of 1967, pursuing a career as a heavy equipment mechanic, while serving his country proudly during the Vietnam War. He was a “jack of all trades” as he was proficient in many skills. He accepted several positions as a mechanic before retiring with the US Postal Service. 

Sam is survived by his wife and soulmate for over 52 years, Jean Benoit; a son, Shane Benoit and his wife Jamie of Leicester, and a daughter, Breyn Brothers of Auburn; a brother, Robert Benoit in Florida; two sisters, Carolyn Keays of Bellingham, and Phyllis Melvin of Methuen; three grandchildren he cherished, Symantha Cole, Evan, and Mya Benoit; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, a great grandchild, brother, Wallace Ferreira, and two sisters, Genevieve Desmond, and Barbara Schroeder. 

Sam was a decorated Vietnam Veteran, Specialist 5 in the 65th Combat Engineers Company C of the 25th Infantry Division. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for Valor, an Army Commendation Medal for Valor, in addition to other service medals and awards. He was a member of the DAV Chapter 4, Vietnam Veterans for the Community and Auburn Sportsman Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, traveling, cooking, board games and playing cards. 

 The family would like to thank the 3rd floor staff of Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center for their compassion and dedication in taking care of our beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather. 

In honoring Sam’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. If you would like to make a donation in the memory of Francis “Sam” Benoit, please consider: Disabled American Veterans PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center, 3rd floor Activity Fund, 26 Harvard St. Worcester, MA 01609.  The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to serve the family with arrangements.