Charlton: Dennis K. Benoit, 62, a fun-loving, compassionate, and extraordinary man, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5th, after a courageous battle with ALS. He faced his illness with unwavering strength, never letting those around him see the burden he carried. Instead, he greeted each day with his trademark smile and a heart full of love.

He leaves his loving wife, Kathy M. (Real) Benoit; his three wonderful sons, Christopher D. Benoit and his wife Casandra of Dudley, Matthew N. Benoit and his wife Leah of Northborough and Jacob W. Benoit of Charlton; his loving parents, Paul A. and Lorraine T. (Bourassa) Benoit of Charlton; his beloved brother, Paul M. Benoit and his wife Michelle of Southbridge; his beloved sister, Karen A. LeDonne and her husband Michael of North Carolina; his former wife, Donna Benoit of Quincy; and his greatest joy, his three granddaughters, Clara, Charlotte, and Lila, who brought endless light into his life.  He also leaves his mother-in-law Elaine Real of Sturbridge; his sister-in-law, Carolyn Cook and her husband Michael of Texas, and his sister in-law Lisa Canney and her husband, Dennis's closest friend Michael of Charlton; and all of his wonderful nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his niece, Sydney Benoit, his grandmother, Celina Bourassa and recently his father-in-law, John Real.

For nearly 40 years, Dennis owned and operated his own landscaping business, pouring his dedication and hard work into every project. His work was more than a job - it was a testament to his resilience, craftsmanship, and deep appreciation for nature.  He was a former volunteer fireman with the Southbridge Fire Department.  Dennis also did a lot of philanthropic work with the Seven Hills Foundation and his surrounding community.

Dennis was an avid golfer and a lifelong member of Cohasse Country Club in Southbridge.  He played hockey from his youth until recent years.  Dennis loved hanging out at his lake house on Cranberry Meadow Lake, watching what he called the "best sunset in the world".

Dennis had an incredible ability to bring people together. Whether he was out on the golf course, lacing up his skates for a game of hockey, or simply enjoying the company of his many friends and family, he radiated warmth, kindness, and the innate ability to make people laugh. He was the hardest-working man many had the privilege of knowing - a true hero in the eyes of those who loved him.

Though he is no longer with us, Dennis leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an unshakable spirit. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.

A special thanks to Lisa and Michael Canney for their endless support and love.

His funeral will be held on Monday, March 10th, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 11:00am in Notre Dame Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 446 Main St., Southbridge.  Burial will follow in New Notre Dame Cemetery, Southbridge.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Sunday, March 9th, from 2:00 to 5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dennis's honor to Ride to Defeat ALS online at ALS Association Donations or send by mail to:  2025 Ride to Defeat ALS Massachusetts, 1300 Wilson Blvd, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209.

Dennis, you were one of a kind. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.