Dennis J. Benjamin

WINCHENDON – Dennis J. Benjamin, 79, of Winchendon, died unexpectedly at home Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

Born in Fitchburg on October 29, 1942, he was the son of the late Joseph and Rita (Dignard) Benjamin and had been a resident of Winchendon for many years.  Dennis was a graduate of Narragansett Regional High School, Worcester Junior College and Clark University.  He later earned his Masters’ Degree from Fitchburg State College.

Dennis was devoted to education and worked as a substitute teacher for a few years before being employed at The Walter E. Fernald School, Templeton, MA where he taught life skills to the mentally challenged for over 25 years.  The last few years, before COVID, he was employed as a van driver by GAAMHA in Gardner, MA.  In his earlier years, he worked at Chevalier’s Furniture in Worcester, Wilson’s Department Store in Greenfield, Sargent Wood Products in Gardner, and as a security guard at Simplex.  His hobbies included history, travel, politics and collecting antiques. Dennis enjoyed going to Rietta Ranch and was an avid viewer of The Antiques Road Show and American Pickers.  He was also an animal lover and enjoyed a number of pets through the years.  He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and attended Mission of Grace Church in Gardner.

Dennis leaves his wife of 42 years, Petronella (Van Vliet) “Nellie” Benjamin; his nephew Joe Benjamin of Whatley. MA; his godchild Robert J. Caffrey along with 8 nephews and nieces in the Netherlands.  He also leaves family and friends in the Netherlands and Germany.  Dennis was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Benjamin and a nephew, Matthew Benjamin.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 2 P.M. in Mission of Grace Church, 358 Pleasant Street, Gardner.  A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow downstairs at the church in Heikkila Hall.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.stone-ladeau.com                    

Memorial Contributions may be made to Mission of Grace Church, 358 Pleasant St., Gardner, MA. 01440 or to a charity of your choice.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor and Douglas M. Stone, directors