Joseph C. Bene

Joseph C. Bene, 71

West Brookfield – Joseph C. Bene, 71, of Chapman Avenue, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital.

He leaves his loving wife of 47 years, Eileen; two sons, Christopher J. Bene and his wife Christi of Chatham, NJ, and Scott J. Bene and his wife Jolene of Hackettstown, NJ; one daughter, Michele E. Fetzner and her husband Drew of Chelmsford, MA; one brother, Charles Bene and his wife Camille; two sisters, Geraldine Brower, and Janet Lawrence and her husband William; and eight grandchildren, Jeremy, Matthew, Bryce, Tyler, Andrew, Mason, Stella, and Ryan.  He was born in Elizabeth, NJ, son of the late Scanio C. and Elvira (Lebel) Bene, and lived in Long Valley, NJ for 39 years.  He and Eileen have had a home on Lake Wickaboag for the past 37 years.

Mr. Bene was an Electrical Engineer at Jersey Central Power and Light for 36 years, before retiring in 2001.

Joe was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed his days on the boat, his various handyman projects and the week with his family in LBI.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 11:00AM in the Sacred Heart Church, 22 West Main St., West Brookfield.  Calling hours will be held Friday, July 8, 2016 from 4 to 7 PM at the Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., West Brookfield.  Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org.