1957 - 2025
Raised in the close-knit community of Blackstone, Ben was the son of the late Bernard and Doris (Carpentier) Benjamin. A proud graduate of Blackstone-Millville Regional High School, he went on to earn his degree from Westfield State College and later received his master’s from Fitchburg State College, embodying his lifelong belief in the transformative power of education.
For over 25 years, Ben served as the music director at The Charter School in Franklin, where his warmth, talent, and mentorship inspired countless students. His influence extended well beyond the classroom, maintaining lifelong connections and leaving an indelible mark through music. He was twice recognized among Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and received the Guiding Star Award for teaching excellence. Ben often reminded others, “Without music, life would be a mistake,” and encouraged everyone to cherish “all those times in between the beginning and the end.”
Ben’s love story began when he met his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane (Desjardin) Benjamin. Their 47-year marriage was built on laughter, faith, and unshakable devotion. Together, they raised two sons—Christopher M. Benjamin and his wife Christine of Raynham, and Joshua E. Benjamin and his wife Jessica of Blackstone—who were his greatest pride. His beloved grandsons, Dylan Benjamin, Seth Cades, Cameron Cades, and Reid Benjamin, brought him immense joy and will continue his legacy of love and learning.
Ben is also survived by his siblings Charlotte Guevremont of Cranston, RI; Gerard Benjamin and his wife Carol of Florida; and Louise Worrell and her husband Richard of Woonsocket, RI. He was a cherished uncle to several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A lifelong resident of Blackstone, Ben’s sense of community ran deep. He served as Cubmaster of Pack 3144, Committee Chair of Troop 1 Blackstone, and Health and Safety Coordinator at the district level. A man of service, he also served with the Blackstone Fire Department, retiring as Lieutenant of the Rescue Unit. Ben was a dedicated parishioner of Divine Mercy Parish, formerly St. Paul’s Church, where his faith was a guiding force in his life.
Outside of work and service, Ben found joy in the simple pleasures—morning coffee and conversation with his beloved Mary Jane, fishing, camping, woodworking, laser engraving, and cheering for the New England Patriots. His creativity, kindness, and humor left lasting impressions on everyone he met.
Ben’s life was a rich composition of love, service, and music. His melody will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 4 to 7 PM at the Buma Funeral Home, 101 N. Main St., Rte. 122, Uxbridge, MA.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 20, at 10 AM at Divine Mercy Parish, 48 St. Paul Street, Blackstone. The funeral procession will depart from the funeral home at 9:15 AM prior to Mass. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Blackstone.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ben’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
