Obituary of Robert A. Benard

Chicopee - Robert A. Benard, 81, passed away March 24, 2024, surrounded by loving family. A lifelong resident of Chicopee, MA born on December 17, 1942, to Albert and Loretta (Viens) Benard. Robert retired as a supervisor in the shipping receiving department at U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission in Holyoke after working there for 35 plus years. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast of all New England Sports teams. He was actively involved in youth sports and coaching in the Aldenville section of Chicopee for many years. Robert enjoyed vacationing in the White Mountains and spending time with family and friends.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Rita M. (Petit) Benard of Chicopee, his son, Brian Benard (Karen) of Ludlow, his brother, Paul Benard of Bondsville and daughter-in-law, Adria Benard of Agawam. He was cherished by his six grandchildren, Chloe, Ava, Emma, Demi, Matt and Kyra. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his oldest son, Robert A. Benard, Jr. and seven siblings, Albert "Benny", Rudolph, Theresa Menard, George, Raymond, Janet Whittaker and Marie Deitz.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 4:00-7:00pm at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be Wednesday at 10:00am at Sacred Heart Church 387 Chestnut St in Springfield. Please meet directly at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's memory may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital by visiting stjude.org or Epilepsy Foundation of New England by visiting epilepsynewengland.org