Raymond "Benny" Bellenoit

Raymond O. “Benny” Bellenoit, 93, of Douglas, formerly of Grafton Hill in Worcester, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 26th 2017.   Ray was born on January 20, 1924 in Worcester, the son of Oscar L. and Marie A. (Cote) Bellenoit.  As a student, he was editor of the "Red and White" school newspaper and graduated Salutatorian from St John’s High School in 1942. Upon graduating, Ray immediately joined the Navy at eighteen as an aviation cadet.  After training in multi-engine aircraft, Ray was commissioned into the Naval Air Transport Service in 1943, served in the US and in the South Pacific as a Multi-Engine Plane Commander until the war ended and was honorably discharged in February of 1946. Shortly thereafter on June 8th 1946, Raymond married Lorraine “Bunnie” Pelletier.  Together they settled on Grafton Hill, Worcester.  The couple recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  Ray graduated from Bentley College in Boston, earning a degree in accounting. He then accepted a position with the PresMet Corporation in Worcester and remained there as an executive for 44 years before retiring in 1994.    Ray chose to donate a good portion of his later years volunteering his services to Jeremiah’s Inn, a homeless shelter, before retiring permanently and moving to Douglas.    Raymond is survived by his devoted wife “Bunnie” and five children: John R.  Bellenoit and his wife Rachel of Chicopee, MA; Elaine L. Brazeau of Douglas, MA; James R. Bellenoit and his wife Trisha of Carlisle, PA; Robert P. Bellenoit and his wife Sharon of Longmeadow, MA; David M. Bellenoit of Douglas; MA. Ray also leaves behind nine grandchildren he cherished, Hayden, Ross, Simone, Michael, Matthew, Christine, Patrick, Jennifer and Mark, along with eight great-grandchildren.  He also leaves a brother, Richard Bellenoit, along with nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.  His sister, Lucille Schendel pre-deceased him.  While living on Grafton Hill, Raymond and Lorraine raised their family with love, devotion, faith and family.  He was an active parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Worcester, involved in church committees, ministries and activities, including being a Scoutmaster for St. Joseph's Troop 64.  He later moved to Douglas MA and became a member of St Denis Parish.   Ray also served as president of local chapters of National Office Managers Association  and American Production & Inventory Control Society.  Raymond enjoyed Golf, spending time with his family and friends and puttering around his house.  As a handyman, Benny's ingenuity led to many 'fixes' around the house, some which became folklore within the family. He would lend his talents to anyone who needed his help.    Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Monday, May 1st from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester. His funeral will be held Tuesday, May 2nd  at 11 am at St Denis Church, 23 Manchaug St, Douglas, MA.  Burial with Naval Honors will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery 162 Webster St, Worcester, MA.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Jeremiahs Inn, 1059 Main St, Worcester, MA 01603.