Donald J. Benz

Donald J Benz, 64 years old, of Leominster MA, and Laconia NH died peacefully after a brief illness on Monday July 31, 2023 surrounded by his family.  He joined his wife, Patricia A. (Marino) Ciccolini Benz, and his father, Fritz August Benz in heaven, where he will be greeted by Patty’s warm smile and his dad’s readiness to go fix something that might not have been actually broken.

He is survived by his daughters, Heather Delfino of Coventry RI, and Hilary (Matthew) Benz of Burrillville, RI, his stepdaughters, Daniela (Matt) Romanowicz of Fairhaven, MA, Stephanie (Albert) Marquez of Peabody, MA, and his partner, Kathleen Conway of Leominster, MA. He leaves his mother, Ann Benz and her partner Paul Lareau of RI, and all five of his siblings, Karen Benz of Warwick, RI, Steve Benz (Cheryl) of Laconia, NH, Martha Benz (Don) of Bradenton, FL, Fritz Benz (Jaime) of Narragansett, RI, and Kristen Benz (Mike) of Thornton, NH.  He also leaves many nieces and nephews, and his grandchildren Michael, Anthony, Laura, Riley, Elliana, Joseph, and Everly, with another granddaughter on the way. In addition to his large family, he leaves many lifelong friends that he has made along the way.

After growing up in Cumberland RI, Don attended the University of Maine at Fort Kent, graduating in 1981 after pursuing studies in Water and Natural Resources Management. It was there that he met his first wife Sandy Kershaw before settling down in Glocester, RI and raising their girls. He worked in the Water Department for the City of Warwick for several years before moving to Massachusetts with Patty and starting a career at the international water management firm of Veolia. A natural born leader, Don continued his drive to help others by becoming the President of the condo association where he lived, once retiring from his position of leadership in the water treatment field.

It was with Patty that his love for the outdoors continued to grow, evidenced by their wedding on the slopes of Wachusett Mountain. Having grown up skiing on Diamond Hill in Cumberland, RI, he and Patty continued their love for skiing together at Wachusett Mountain. Following in his father’s ski tracks, Don was an avid skier. He held a PSIA Level 3 instructor certification, achieving the highest pinnacle in the sport. He taught at Waterville Valley, Gunstock Mountain, and Wachusett Mountain. He was well known for “crushing” most of New England’s mountains, as well as several out west and in Europe. Don was able to teach his own children and several of his grandchildren to ski, and took pride in watching their love for the sport blossom with new generations. The quintessential hands-on guy, it seemed Don was never far from his toolboxes, whether remodeling a kitchen, tuning up the boat, rebuilding a snowmobile or restoring his dad’s 1969 MG-C roadster. He rarely ended a family visit without finding something to fix, whether it was a light switch, a bike chain, or hanging a cabinet (or 10).

He and Patty’s love for the outdoors brought them to Lake Opechee in New Hampshire, where they were located within earshot of beloved brother Steve and sister-in-law Cheryl. Don enjoyed kayaking, fishing, and boating, frequently sharing his love for these activities with his family.  His adventurous spirit also included mountain biking, where he followed the trails in the dust behind his sister Kristen and brother-in-law Mike, challenging himself to try something new without incurring injuries. 

A devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, husband and partner, Don always put the needs of others above his own, often dropping everything he was doing to help others. Whether it was a lending ear, offering sound advice, or applying his handyman skills, everyone knew that his loyalty to those he loved and his desire to help made him someone they could count on in a time of need. He loved spending time with Steve and Cheryl on the lake, and frequently hosted vacations with extended family and friends, filled with adventure. He and Kathy took recent vacations in California and Italy, as well as several ski trips to Colorado, Wyoming and France. He and his brother were a dynamic duo, spending time on the water, on the deck, or working together fixing things that just “needed fixing”. His infectious smile, love of his family, and his ability to create lasting memories will be missed.  Don’s love for the outdoors and handy workmanship will be passed down through the many lives that he touched during his time with us all.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Share Winter Foundation to honor Don’s love for sharing winter sports with others: Share Winter Foundation https://sharewinterfoundation.org/

Calling hours are Monday, August 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster, MA.

The funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, August 8, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Family of Nazareth Church, 750 Union St., Leominster. Burial is private.

www.richardsonfuneralhome.net

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