Richard ‘Rick’ Michael Benoit, Jr., 54, aka ‘one armed bandit’ of Danville, Vt. passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at his home as the result of an unexpected medical event. Rick was born in Barre, Vt.
on January 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 Camp Ground. 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 long time member of the Elks Club and the Canadian Club. Rick is survived by the love of his life: Janice Benoit of Danville, VT; his daughter: Brittany Petty and husband, Nathan, of St. Johnsbury, VT; his son: Richard ‘Richie’ Benoit, III and wife, Tiffany, of Danville, VT; a sister: Renee Burke and husband, Kelly, of Berlin, VT; a brother: Darren Benoit and wife, Cathy, of Bow, NH; 3 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, NH.
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 may call on the family on Monday, July 2, 2018, 2-4PM and 6-8PM, at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, VT.
A Celebration of Life will take place later, on Saturday, July 28, 2018, 4PM, at his daughter’s home on 330 High Street in St. Johnsbury, VT. 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). Donations may be made to: The Silver Towers c/o The Elks 118 Western Ave.
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