Our world lost a good man when Richard Allen Benotti passed away on December 12, 2022 after a period of declining health. Born in Brighton, MA, he was the son of Anne Benotti Clement. He moved to Temple at the age of 5 and attended Temple School and graduated from Wilton High School in 1953.
In 1956 he married Sandra Fiske and they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
Richard was a past president and a Melvin Jones Fellow of the Souhegan Lions Club. Being a nearly life long resident of Temple meant he was always involved in community. He served his town as Fire Chief. He was the Commanding Officer of the Jaffrey Civil Air Patrol Squadron holding the rank of Captain. He became very skilled at radio ground to air communications. Music was part of his soul and he played in the Temple Band for over 40 years. In the past he sang with the Souhegan Men’s Chorus.
“Dick” and “Sandy” spent many years camping and traveling in their trailer where they met life long friends.
In more recent years, he served on the committee responsible for the renovation of the Temple Town Hall and continued to participate in the overseeing of its upkeep. His interest in the Town Hall started when he served as janitor at the age of 16.
He went into building construction at an early age, paving the way to becoming a fine finish carpenter. When his health required him to step away from heavy labor, he worked for Montgomery Ward until he could go back to his love of building products and work for Belletetes.
Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sandra and his children, son Steven Benotti and partner Meg Kepner, daughter Tamara Evans (Thomas), and son Mark Benotti (Laura). He was predeceased by his daughter Rhonda and granddaughter Hannah. He is also survived by grandchildren Morgan, Jessica, Colin, Erin, Erik, Marissa, Bryan, Gregory, Lyndsay, Elizabeth, Jack, Michael, and 7 great grandchildren and his siter Nancy Fairchild.
A celebration of life service will be held January 15th at 2pm at the Union Congregational Church, 33 Concord St. Peterborough, NH, with a time of sharing to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Congregational Church, 33 Concord St Peterborough, NH 03457 and Souhegan Lions Club c/o Catherine Moore 43 Maplewood Dr Temple, NH 03084.
