Ernest J. Benoit, Jr.

WEBSTER – Ernest J. Benoit Jr., 83, of Point Breeze Road, died peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023, in his home with his family by his side.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Arline M. (Warman) Benoit of Webster; three children, Ernest W. Benoit and his wife Lisa of Rutland, Heather Anne Bell and her husband Timothy of Webster, and Keiko J. Dion and her husband David of Devens; five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by five brothers and sisters.  He was born in Webster, son of the late Ernest J. and Lois (Baxendale) Benoit Sr., and lived on Webster Lake for most of his life.  He graduated from Bartlett High School in Webster in 1958, received a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University, and received an MBA from Babson College.  He proudly served in the Army National Guard for three years.

Mr. Benoit was a software engineer and consultant throughout his life.  Following retirement, he spent two decades enjoying life on the lake.  He was a member of the Webster Lake Association, the Baystate Barefooters, and the Webster Waterski Association.  He was active in the American Waterski Association where he was rated as an expert.  Throughout his life, he taught waterskiing, competed in waterski competitions, and judged competitive waterskiing.

Mr. Benoit was a lifelong learner and teacher.  He was a member of the Last Green Valley, the French River Connection Kayak Club, the Miata Club, and numerous conservation groups.  Conservation was important to him, and he monitored the water on Webster Lake for many years.  In addition, he loved boating, waterskiing, snow skiing, cars, electronic gadgets, photography, and was a Patriots fan.

Memorial calling hours are Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford.  Military funeral honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home at the conclusion of calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Webster Dudley Food Share, 4 Church St., Webster, MA 01570, or to the Webster Waterski Collective, C/O Linda Candela, 76 Union Point Rd., Webster MA 01570.