May 20, 2021

Father Adrian Benoit, longtime pastor, dies at 83

REGIONAL
Staff report

SPRINGFIELD – Father Adrian Benoit, 83, died on May 18. Born in Springfield, he was a native of the former Our Lady of the Rosary Parish there.

He earned degrees in classics and philosophy at St. Mary College, Orchard Lake, Mich., and completed his theology studies at Sts. Cyril and Methodius College in Orchard Lake.

He was ordained on May 15, 1965 by Springfield Bishop Christopher J. Weldon at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Springfield.

Father Benoit served as curate pro tem at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Turners Falls; Immaculate Conception Parish, Indian Orchard; and the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Adams. He served as pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, Greenfield, from 1974-1980; at Holy Rosary Parish, Hadley, from 1980-1992; at Immaculate Conception Parish, Indian Orchard from 1992-2003; and at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Granby from 2003-2009.

His diocesan appointments included dean of the Hampshire Deanery; Diocesan Building Commission; and Cathedral High School Limited Jurisdiction Board of Trustees.

He retired on Sept. 27, 2009.

The wake will be held on Monday, May 24 from 2-7 p.m. at Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 25, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Granby, with a wake from 9-10 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Gary Dailey at 10 a.m. Burial will be conducted by Springfield Bishop William Byrne on Wednesday, May 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Cemetery in West Springfield.