Richard Edward Benard

HOLYOKE – Richard Edward Benard, 72, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Heritage Hall North in Agawam, MA. 

Richard was born on March 23, 1949, in Holyoke, MA to Edward Norman Benard and Cecile Marie (Geoffroy) Benard.

Richard graduated from Chicopee Comp Class of 1967. He proudly serviced his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1975.

Richard was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast.  He always enjoyed rides on his Harley.  He enjoyed working on motorcycles in his spare time.  As a young man, Richard participated in motorcycle ice races and hill-climbing competitions.

Richard is predeceased by his wife, Juliette M. (Sylvain) Benard and his parents Edward and Cecile Benard. 

Survivors include his sons: Richard Benard and his wife Nichole of Agawam, MA, Neill Benard and his wife Crystal of Holyoke, MA, and Aaron Benard and his wife Shaina of Springfield, MA,  his daughters Katie Benard and her fiancé Joel Cintron of West Springfield, MA, Allison Calderon and her husband Lois of Holyoke, MA, Kayla Bonafilia of Westfield, MA, and Carie Condarcui of Westfield, MA, his brothers: Robert Benard and his wife Donna of Southampton, MA, Roger Benard and his partner Gail Lagoditz of Westfield, MA, and Ronald Benard and his wife Dale of Chicopee, MA, his grandchildren: Donavin, Riley, Ciera, Javien, Kaylee, Aryah, Emma, Bryan, Jelani, Jaxciel, Aaron, and Javia, along with many other family members and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Richard E. Benard Memorial Fund for Youth Sports. Please make your check or money order payable to Richard E. Benard Memorial Fund for Youth Sports and mail to BankESB,  ATTN RICHARD E BENARD MEMORIAL FUND, 770 Main St. Agawam, MA 01001  Please include the following account number in the memo line - ACCT # 694614647

Family and friends are invited to attend a walk-through visitation on Thursday, April 29, 2021, from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM at Avalon Funeral & Cremation Services, 691 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077.  A private funeral service and burial with full military honors will follow for the family only. 

To express condolences to the family or to share memories please visit Richard’s memorial page at www.avaloncelebrations.com

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