Stephen M. Benkowski, Sr., a long-time resident of Webster and Dudley, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Hudson, Florida on Sunday morning, February, 5, 2017.
 
He leaves his loving wife of forty years, Suzanne (Lamoureux) Benkowski of Hudson, Florida; siblings John and Betty; daughter Beth and her husband Kenneth Poplawski of North Grosvenordale; sons Stephen Jr. and his wife Amy of Hampton, CT., Vincent Zito and his wife Karen of Stow, MA and Matthew Zito and his wife Michelle of Dudley. Steve also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his siblings, Joseph Jr., Mary, Edwardy, Helen and Peggy; a by a son, Darryl Zito of Auburn.
 
Steve was born in Webster, son of the late John J. and Anna (Martinek) Benkowski and lived in Webster-Dudley most of his life.  Steve graduated from Bartlett High School in 1960, then immediately enlisted in the US Navy, where he served on the aircraft carrier USS Constellation. Steve was a former Vice Commander at American Legion Post 184 as well as an altar boy and parishioner at St. Anthony of Padua in Dudley, where he was mentored as a young man by Father Ferenz.
 
Steve was a machinist and supervisor in Worcester and Sturbridge in addition to owning and operating S&S Antiques in Dudley, with his wife Sue, for nearly twenty five years. Steve enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brother-in law Al Belanger and his nephews each year.  He also loved cruising, traveling and going to the races at Thompson Speedway.
 
Services will be held for family and friends on Saturday, March 25, 2017, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a prayer service, including military honors  at 12:45 pm in the Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, 48 School Street, Webster.  A guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com where you may light a candle or post a condolence message.

 Service Information