Laconia-Edward “Eddie” William Benoit, Sr., 80, of 25 Union Avenue, formerly of 66 Harvard Street died Thursday morning, March 30, 2006 at Lakes Region General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
Eddie was the son of the late William H. and Eva A. (Provencal) Benoit. He was born in Laconia on March 22, 1926 and had been a life long resident.
Eddie worked for 20 years at the former Scott & Williams. He also worked for many years at Contigiani’s Catering Service. He retired from Astro a division of NH Ball Bearing as a Quality Control Lead man in 1987.
Eddie helped start the Junior Championship Sled Dog Races in Laconia, and was honored as an honorary judge. He was instrumental in moving the original Little League building from the Weirs to its current home at Opechee Park. He was a football coach for many years at the Sacred Heart School. Eddie was a dedicated volunteer at the Belknap Mill with a true concern for the machinery. He always wanted to be sure the machinery was repaired and operating correctly for generations to come. He was an avid golfer with past membership at Pheasant Ridge Country Club.
Eddie was a WWII Marine Veteran. He was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in Laconia, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Laconia Post 1670.
One sister, Arlene Campbell in 2005, predeceased Eddie.
Eddie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rita M. (Lagueux) Benoit of Laconia, two sons, Edward W. Benoit, Jr. and his wife Jill of Howie on the Hills, FL, and Allan A. Benoit and his wife Dale of Laconia, one daughter, Lynn Marie Santy and her husband Preston of Sunapee, NH, one brother, Armand Benoit of Laconia, and one sister, Irene Carrier of Lakeport. 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews also survive Eddie.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday April 4, 2006 at St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia at 10:00 am, Rev. Gary J. Kosmowski pastor of the church celebrated the mass. Burial was Wednesday April 5, 2006 at 2:00 pm in the family lot at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield Street, Laconia.Visiting hours were Monday afternoon April 3, 2006 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Simoneau-Paquette Memorial, 139 Church Street, Laconia. Family and friends were invited to attend.
For those who wish, the family suggests expressions of sympathy in Eddie’s name may be made to Community Health & Hospice, Memorial Gifts, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246, or to the American Cancer Society, Gail Singer Memorial Building, 360 State Route 101, Suite 501, Manchester, NH 03110-5032.