Bridport- Rene A. Benoit 85, passed away on February 28, 2008. At Helen Porter Nursing Home with his beloved wife and family at his side. Rene was born on July 13, 1922 in Cornwall Ontario, Canada to Felix Benoit and Hermaline (Charleboise) Benoit. Rene grew up in Hinesburg attending local schools. He served in WW II in the United States Army as a paratrooper. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and received two purple hearts and the bronze star. He was very proud of his service to his country. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion Post # 14 of Vergennes. He leaves his loving wife Mattie (Cross) Benoit .They were married October 22, 1943 in Fayetteville N.C., 4 sons; Jerry P Benoit. & his wife Nina of Shoreham, Donald A. Benoit of Burlington, Skip Rene E. Benoit and & his wife Sharon P., of Weybridge and Larry S. & Nancy of Hendersonville, TN, his daughter; Sharon Lynn Benoit of Bridport. His brothers Arthur Benoit & his wife Lorette of Williston and Gerard &his wife Evelyn of Bridport, 5 grandchildren ; 11 great grandchildren and 1 great- great granddaughter; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by 4 brothers and 8 sisters. A service celebrating Renes life will be held on Wed March 5th at 11 am at St. Bernadettes Catholic Church in Bridport.The Rev. Justin Baker will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Activities Fund at Helen Porter Nursing Home at 30 Porter Drive, Middlebury, VT., or to Project Independence Box 531 Middlebury, VT 05753. Arrangements are under the direction of Sanderson Funeral Service 117 South Main Street, Middlebury. www.sandersonfuneralservice.com