George Benjamin

George Benjamin, age 81, passed away on May 12, 2023, at the UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 8, 1942, he was the son of George and Ethel (Sweeney) Benjamin. George was raised in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston and graduated from Charlestown High School with the Class of 1960. After high school George enlisted with the United States Air Force, serving his country for four years of active duty and two years of reserve. His time in the Air Force allowed him to travel the world, meet countless interesting individuals, and experience many different cultures. Upon returning stateside, George began working for Boston Cutting Die in Dorchester as a machine operator.

On September 19, 1964, George married the love of his life, Dorothy E. (Johnson) at Most Precious Blood Church in Hyde Park, Massachusetts. The pair started their married life living together in Hyde Park, Massachusetts before moving to the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston to raise a family. George had a lifelong love of woodworking that began after leaving Boston Cutting Die and taking on a role as a carpenter with the New England Council of Carpenters Union Local #680 in Newton. In 1973 George’s union merged with several others from the area to form Local # 275 and in 1988, he was elected Assistant Business Agent for the union. George made a name for himself, acting as a liaison for the union and managing business affairs, and was re-elected in 1991. In 1995 George and Dorothy moved to Walpole, where they would enjoy the rest of their lives together. George retired from the Local #275 Union in 1998 but would remain an active member including during the merger with the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local # 339.

George was foremost, a family man. He loved his wife Dorothy and spending time with her. He was a proud and supportive father and when his grandchildren came along, a fun and loving Papa. George and Dorothy enjoyed babysitting their grandchildren in their retirement. George shared his love of wood working with his grandchildren and made each of them a custom piggy bank in the shape of their favorite animal. George’s love of woodworking was a full-time job. He was often found working on projects in his basement workshop making a piece of art to share with a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger. He made several items that would become invaluable family heirlooms including custom cradles for his grandchildren and Thomas Jefferson style chairs. George honored his fellow veterans, including his son and grandson, by making intricately hand painted wooden soldiers. He was also famous for making and handing out carved keychains that said “Knock on Wood” with a penny inlaid in them, sometimes even having to take Dorothy’s own keychain and later replace it so that he could share one with a new friend. George was also a longtime member of the Newton-Brookline Elks Lodge # 1327, where he enjoyed helping his community, watching Boston sports teams play, and enjoying camaraderie with his fellow members.

Beloved husband of Dorothy E. Benjamin.

Loving father of Michael David Benjamin of Norwood, Karen Marie White, and her husband, Eric, of Franklin, and Laura Marie Casey, and her husband, John, of Lake Mary, Florida.

Cherished Papa of Matthew Benjamin, and his wife, Ashley, of Bellingham, Daniel Benjamin of Norwood, David Benjamin of Herbert Field, Florida, Lauren Benjamin of Norwood, Victoria White of Franklin, Jayden White of Franklin, Sean White of Franklin, Jackalyn Casey of Lake Mary, Florida, and Emily Casey of Lake Mary, Florida.

George is also survived by his sister Patricia Lohnes of Quincy.

Predeceased by his daughter-in-law Janice Benjamin, his sister Mary Olsen and his brother-in-law Edward Lohnes.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend George’s Life Celebration on Thursday, May 18th, 2023, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common St, Walpole. All are invited to gather in the Funeral Home on Friday, May 19th, 2023, at 9:30 AM prior to A Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in the Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond St, Walpole with Father Jim Chichetto officiating. Burial will take place at Knollwood Memorial Park, 321 High St, Canton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in George’s name can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a charity that he deeply cared about; JDRF, PO Box 37920, Boone IA 50037-0920 or by visiting www.jdrf.org