Winfred Benoit

Winfred L. Benoit, 93, of Tupper Lake, passed away Monday, January 25, 2010 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake surrounded by family. He was born December 3, 1916 in Owls Head, NY, the son of Harrison and Alice (Benware) Benoit. Mr. Benoit graduated from Franklin Academy in Malone in 1934 and from Central City Business Institute, Syracuse in 1938. He then became employed as an accountant with the National Biscuit Company of Syracuse until 1942 at which time he was inducted into the U.S. Army serving in the European Theater of Operation. He was a Sergeant with the 2nd Infantry Division when they met up with the Russians in Czechoslovakia. Upon discharge in 1946, Mr. Benoit became employed by the Veterans Administration at the Sunmount VA Hospital in Tupper Lake. On August 16, 1947, he married Catherine McCormick of Tupper Lake at St. Alphonsus Church with Rev. John Waterhouse Officiating. Mr. Benoit served as Chief Fiscal & Budget Officer with the Veterans Administration for 31 years. In 1965 upon closure of the Sunmount Hospital he transferred to the Brecksville VA Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1967 he transferred to the VA Medical Center in Albany, NY where he remained until his retirement from the VA in 1977. Before his retirement, he was presented with a Certificate of Commendation from the VA Chief Medical Director in recognition of his outstanding service to the various VA Hospitals he had served. He then became employed as Treasurer of the Cantex Corp. in Schenectady, NY until 1982 at which time he fully retired and he and his wife Catherine returned to their home in Tupper Lake. He was always very active in the Community and St. Alphonsus church where he served on the Finance Committee, chaired the Annual Bishops Fund Campaign for many years. He also co-chaired the Holy Ghost Academy annual auction for which he was awarded the Msgr. Dumas Service Award. He was a 4th Degree member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member and Past President of the Tupper Lake Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Award, Rotary's highest award for Service above self. He was a member of the Board of Directors of North Country Home Health Services for many years. He was an avid golfer and member of the Tupper Lake Country Club. He also held membership in the American Legion, AARP and the National Association of Federal Employees. Besides his wife of 62 years, he is survived by three sons; Thomas and his wife Mary of Niskayuna, NY, James and his wife Lorry of Louisville, KY, Joseph and his wife Alison of Glenmont, NY and one daughter Marie Anderson and her husband David of Jamestown, NY. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and one brother Francis and his wife Helen of Albany. He was pre-deceased by six sisters, Irene Barrett, Evelyn Riley, Rilla Benoit, Edna Livernois, Ada More, Elsie Cook and one brother Paul. Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 29th from 3 to 7 pm at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough funeral home in Tupper Lake. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery in May. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider North Country Home Services. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com

4th Degree Knights of Columbus

Army

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