SHERBURNE – Robert J. “Doc” Benedict, D.D.S., 96, lifelong Sherburne resident, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 at his home.
He was born September 4, 1912 in Sherburne, a son of Walter and Bertha Holcomb Benedict. He was a graduate of Sherburne High School, Colgate University and the University of Pennsylvania where he received his D.D.S. Robert married Elizabeth “Betty” Reynolds who predeceased him in 2001. He proudly served his country as a Major in the U.S. Air Force. “Doc” Benedict opened his dental practice in Sherburne which he continued for 53 years until his retirement. He was a history buff who had written and illustrated a book on the history of Sherburne, and was currently writing a second. He was honored by the Village of Sherburne as its first Citizen of the Year.
Dr. Benedict was a member of the United Church of Christ in Sherburne and the Chenango County Historical Society. He was an active and dedicated member of his community where he had served as a member and past president of the S-E Central School Board and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (B.O.C.E.S.). He had also been a member of the F&AM Lodge #444 of Sherburne and the Sherburne Rotary Club for many years.
Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Robert C. and Deborah Benedict of Norwich; a sister, Grace Bloom of Syracuse; his grandchildren, Tabitha and Scott Aaron, Robert “Beau” C., Jr.  and Saundra Benedict all of Sherburne; six great-grandchildren, Teagan and Chloe Aaron, Ravyn, Killian, Saige and Dradon Benedict; a brother-in-law, Paul Reynolds of Syracuse; nieces and nephews, James and Jeffy Benedict of Scarsdale, Ann and John McNitt of N.C., Joanne and Bruce Ratchen of Kansas City, Mo.; and Ginny Reynolds of Syracuse; grandnieces and nephews, Allison and Tyler Benedict, Tory and Tiffany Benedict, Kimberley and Terry DeRouchie. He was predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law, Nelson and Helen Benedict; sister and brother-in-law, Edith and Fred Fox; and a brother-in-law, Robert Bloom.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday at the United Church of Christ, Sherburne.
Interment with military honors will be private in West Hill Cemetery, Sherburne.
There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.