Dean E. Benedict

Rev. Dean E. Benedict age 79 of Concord, Clearwater, FL and formerly of Batavia, NY passed away on Monday, May 29, 2017 at Beth Israel Medical Center in Boston. He was the husband of Vivian (Fisher) Fanton-Benedict and the late Jean M. (Learned) Benedict who died in 2011.

Born in Batavia, NY on November 21, 1937 he was the son of the late Donald C. and Gertrude (Hutton) Benedict.

Dean and Jean married on June 21, 1958 at the First United Methodist Church in Hudson and began a loving and faithful marriage lasting of over 52 years.

Dean graduated from Boston University School of Theology in 1967 with a Master of Divinity degree. He served as Pastor or Supervising Pastor in the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. He also spent many summers as a camp counselor at church camps sponsored by both the New England Conference and the Boy Scouts of America. While serving as Pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Hudson he also served several terms on the Hudson School Committee and one year as Chairperson.

A longtime and active Rotarian Dean served as President of his Rotary Club, he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in recognition of his outstanding service to his community and to the world.

Dean was an active member of the Shrine, he served three terms as the Board of Governors of the Shrine Hospital for Children. From 1976-1982 he also served as the Chaplin of the Shrine Burns Hospital in Boston and in 1999 Dean served as Potentate of his local Shrine Center and as the International Chaplain of the Shrine of North America. Dean was also a Master Mason and was a member in several Masonic Lodges and the Commandery.

A well known motivational speaker and writer he has been called upon to speak at organizations as well as author devotional pieces. In 1980, Dean was given an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by the University of Santo Domingo in appreciation for all he had done to help the children of that country.

A devoted husband and family man, Dean cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. He traveled to many states and countries and embraced the adventure of each new experience. He wintered in Clearwater, FL and summered in New England and was often found on the golf course or volunteering for local charities and organizations.

Along with his wife Vivian, he is survived by his children Rebecca L. Appel and her husband Charles of Hudson and David C. Benedict and his wife Catherine of Norwell. Stepfather of Wray Fanton and his wife Tara of Pittsburgh, PA and Troy Fanton and his wife Cindy of Acton. Dean is also survived by his grandchildren Brianna and Colleen Benedict, Abigail and Maggie Appel and Lillian Fanton. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Charles Learned and his wife Joy of LaGrange, TX and their children Lori Jo Burton, Julie Clark and Jill Harris.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Dean on Friday, June 2 from 4:00-7:00 pm in the First United Methodist Church, 34 Felton St., Hudson. A masonic service will be held 6:30 pm. His funeral service will be in the church on Sat. June 3 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Forestvale Cemetery, Hudson.

Donations in his memory may be made to:
Transportation Fund
Shriners Hospital for Children
51 Blossom St.
Boston, MA 02114.

Reverend Benedict's obituary to follow