Thomas C. Benoit
Hollidaysburg, PA., Bangor, Gorham, N.H.
Thomas Charles Benoit, 60, of Hollidaysburg, PA, formerly of Bangor, ME and Gorham, NH, passed away at home on May 25, 2018 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle.
Tom was a devoted, tolerant, gentle, and loving father, husband, and son who always put family first. His perseverance and selflessness are and will continue to be guiding principles for all those he encountered.
Tom was born in the loving home of John R. and Priscilla (Jalbert) Benoit on April 4, 1958 in Bangor, ME. As a young man Tom developed a love for sports and the outdoors, including hiking, canoeing, fly-fishing, and skiing, with gritty self-motivation to spend the hours needed to master these crafts.
After graduating Bangor High School in 1976, Tom attended the University of Maine Orono where he graduated in 1980 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He brought his talents to the pulp and paper mills of Kaukauna, WI, Berlin-Gorham and Groveton, NH, Lincoln, ME, and until recently American Eagle Paper Mills of Tyrone, PA.
Shortly after graduation, Tom met his future wife, Kathy, on a wilderness canoe trip in northern Maine. They were married on August 22, 1981 and lived seven adventurous years before welcoming their three children.
From then on you would never see Tom without one of his children, whether coaching his sons’ youth sports or in the audience of local music and theater productions. He dedicated his free time to supporting the passions of his children.
After his children left the nest, Tom and Kathy became avid golfers, kayakers, and travelers, while still actively supporting their sons through college and into their careers. In addition, Tom passed on his love-hate relationship with golf to his sons.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Kathleen (Keane) Benoit; three sons, Patrick and wife Arielle of Silver Spring, MD, John of Gorham, ME, and Philip of Springfield, MA; his parents John and Priscilla Benoit of Bangor, ME; a sister Elizabeth Ainaire of Sommersworth, NH; a brother Joseph Benoit and wife Paula of Old Town, ME; 17 nieces and nephews, as well as additional extended family.
A memorial service will be held for Tom on June 23rd at 11:00 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St Bangor, ME. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor immediately following the service.
Those wishing to remember Tom in a special way may donate in his memory to UPMC Cancer Center, 1400 Locust St., Pittsburgh, PA. 15219 or the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion, 1800 E. Park Ave., State College, PA. 16803 or your local youth sports, and take an extra mulligan on your next round of golf.
Tom was a beautiful mentor whose words may have been soft, but whose actions spoke volumes.