Florence - Richard A. Benoit, 90, of 87 Spruce Hill Ave., passed away Monday, Sept. 5, 2011, at the Linda Manor Extended Care Facility in Leeds.

Born in Owls Head, N.Y., on April 25, 1921, he was the son of the late Jerry and Mary L. (Boyer) Benoit. He lived in Northampton for most of his life, and was educated in the local schools.

Dick was a U.S. Army Air Corps World War II veteran, serving in the 384th Bomb Group, and the 547th Bomb Squadron, achieving the rank of sergeant. Dick was a truck driver for 40 years at the Florence Casket Co. Dick was a longtime communicant of the Annunciation Church in Florence.

His wife, Pauline (Gilbert) Benoit, passed away in 1992.

He is survived by his two sons, James A. Benoit of Florence and Richard L. Benoit of Westhampton; four granddaughters, two grandsons; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brothers, William, Leo, Robert and John Benoit; and his sisters, Mildred Melbone and Bernice Nehring.

Dick's funeral will be Saturday Sept. 10 at 9:30 a.m. at the Ahearn Funeral Home in Northampton, followed by a mass of Christian burial in the Annunciation Chapel, Beacon Street, Florence at 10:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Donation in Dick's memory may be made to Boy Scout Troop 103, 12 Goshen Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096.

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