Obituary of Richard Allen Benedict

   Richard Allen Benedict of Somers, NY passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2021, in Brunswick, GA. He was born in Newburgh, NY on February 8, 1948, the son of the late Theron and Elizabeth Benedict. He was the beloved and loving husband to Karen Benedict for 45 years. He loved nothing more than traveling with Karen to their favorite vacation spots such as Lake Tahoe, where he looked forward to playing golf, enjoying the pool and hot tub, playing cards and visiting with friends and family.

   Richard received his undergraduate degree from Bridgeport University and received his graduate degrees from Western Connecticut State University. After college he was employed by the Marriot Corporation. He later became a New York State Police Officer. Most recently he was a teacher of emotionally disabled students at Mount Pleasant Cottage School, not only dedicated to the education of his students but also to their health and well-being.

   Richard was committed to public and community service. He was an active member of Heritage Hills, Somers, and school communities. Throughout his career, Richard held a variety of leadership positions. Formerly, he was president of the Mount Pleasant Cottage School Teachers’ Association, president of the Heritage Hills Society Board, and appointed member of the Somers Town Board. More recently he was the president of Heritage Hills Condo Board 27, the fund manager of the Mount Pleasant Cottage School Teachers’ Welfare Fund, and a member of the Southern Westchester Schools Health Insurance Consortium. He was also a member of the Somers Lions Club.

   Richard is predeceased by his parents and is survived by his beloved wife Karen Benedict, his brother-in-law Kevin and Kathy Sheehan of Westfield, MA, sister-in-law Teresa and Jeri Wilkinson of Pittsfield, MA/FL, niece Lauren Sheehan of West Springfield, MA, and nephew and godson Neil Sheehan of Westfield, MA, his in-laws Robert and Eleanor Sheehan of Northville, NY/FL, his aunt-in-law, Patricia Keough of Springfield, MA, and numerous cousins.

   A Vigil for the Deceased will be held on Monday, December 6^th from 1 to 5PM at the Clark Associates Funeral Home at 4 Woods Bridge Rd., Katonah, NY 10536. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 7^th at 11AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish at 47 Pine St. West Springfield, MA 01089, with Rites of Committal to follow at the St. Thomas Cemetery.

   In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or to a charity of choice. Online condolences can be made by visiting sampsonchapels.com.