Richard M. Benoit Jr.

DANVILLE - Richard Michael "Rick" Benoit Jr., 54, aka "one armed bandit," of Danville, Vermont, passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at his home, as the result of an unexpected medical event.
Rick was born in Barre, Vermont, on Jan. 29, 1964, to Richard M. and Diane (Paquin) Benoit. He graduated from Spaulding High School, Class of 1982. In 1986, he married Janice Emerson. Rick worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for most of his life. Initially, he worked in Barre for Brian and Kevin Bailey at McCloud Spring and Chassis then went on to establish his own business, B &W Mechanical Services, in 1994. He was a hard worker and a dedicated family man. He was known to show up at sports games covered in grease rather than miss a kid's event.
He loved spending time with his family and his campground family at Sugar Ridge Campground. He enjoyed trips to the ocean, both Old Orchard Beach and Hampton. He loved to dance and could get anyone out on the dance floor. He was the most amazing grandfather. He visited his grandchildren each night to bring them Twizzlers before bed. Rick would give anyone the shirt off his back and saw the good in everyone. He was a longtime member of the Elks Club and the Canadian Club.
Rick is survived by the love of his life, Janice Benoit, of Danville, Vermont; his daughter, Brittany Petty and husband Nathan, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont; his son, Richard "Richie" Benoit III and wife Tiffany, of Danville, Vermont; a sister, Renee Burke and husband Kelly, of Berlin, Vermont; a brother, Darren Benoit and wife Cathy, of Bow, New Hampshire; three grandchildren, MacKenna Toni Benoit, Richard M. Benoit IV and Lennox Mila Rae Petty; and his special aunt and uncle, Lise and Bill Tighe, of New London, New Hampshire. He also leaves behind his Emerson family; several nieces and nephews; his Sugar Ridge Campground family; and many beloved friends.
He was predeceased by his father, Richard Benoit; his grandmother, Gerald Paquin, "Meme;" his mother-in-law, Marilyn Emerson; his special friend, Cameron McDonald; an infant grandchild; and his best dog, Dale.
Friends called on the family on Monday, July 2, 2018, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St., in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
A celebration of life will take place later, on Saturday, July 28, 2018, 4 p.m., at his daughter's home on 330 High Street in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rick's name to Silver Towers Foundation, c/o St. Johnsbury Elks Lodge 1343, 118 Western Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 (make checks payable to St. Johnsbury Elks Lodge).
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.saylesfh.com.