Benedict J. Renski Jr.

Groton - Benedict J. Renski Jr., 62, of Groton, went peacefully up to his Lord on April 7, 2006, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Oct. 8, 1943, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, New London, he was the son of the late Benedict John and Leone B. (Michaud) Renski.

He married his beloved wife, Ellen L. Ketchen, on Aug. 24, 1963.

Ben attended local Groton schools and graduated from Fitch Sr. High School in 1961. He was a star pitcher for his high school baseball team and at one time was invited to try out for the Mets. After graduation he enjoyed playing softball for the Groton Recreation Department. In addition to baseball and softball interests, he was an accomplished bowler and as a young man was under sponsorship to become a professional bowler. He was inducted into the Southeastern Connecticut Association Bowlers Hall of Fame in 2004. He also enjoyed golf and was an avid Red Sox fan.

He enjoyed a 37 year distinguished career with the U.S. Postal Service before retiring on Jan. 1, 2001. He was a proud member of the BPOE, Lodge 2163, a past member of the Pioneer Hose Company #1, a communicant of St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, and a member of the small Christian community group, The Pathfinders.

He loved vacationing with his family and enjoyed attending his grandchildren's many sporting events and activities. He also loved music and dancing and was a devoted Elvis fan. He will be most fondly remembered for his big heart, sense of humor, and quick wit. With his strength and courage, he was an inspiration to all.

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his loving children, Benedict J. Renski III and his wife, Mary, David W. Renski and his wife, Rebecca, Lori M. Burton and her husband, Skip, and Michelle L. Renski and her fiancée, John McCoy; his brothers, Ronald J. Renski and his wife, Audrey, and Raymond M. Renski and his wife, Dale; and his sister, Pearl I. Rathbun and her husband, George. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Eva and Emily Renski, Michael and Matthew Dyer, David Renski Jr., and Kristen M. Burton.

His family will greet relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., historic downtown Mystic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton. Internment will follow at the Lambtown Cemetery, Ledyard.

Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association or the St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church Building Fund.

For obituary information, directions, or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com.