Edward E. Benner, 56, of New Bedford, Mass. and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., passed away on Oct. 26 after a long battle with cancer.
Ed was born on Feb. 28, 1952 in Damariscotta, the second oldest child of 15 children born to Edward E. Benner Jr. and Alphra (Morton) Benner.
Ed earned a degree in English literature from Quinnipiac College. He worked on Martha’s Vineyard as a truck driver for Packer Oil Company and for B.F.I.
He was an exceptional woodcarver and father. Edward spent his last summer rebuilding a skiff with his son from the remains of a derelict boat. Ed devoted his life to his children and put them above all else.
He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Georgia Azukas, Clifford Benner, Shirley Benner and Danny Benner.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie Oldani Benner; children, Daniel Edward Benner and Katherine Susanne Benner; step-mother, Lois Benner of Bristol; sisters, Clarion Sullivan and husband Kenneth “Sully” of Oak Bluffs, Mass., Kathy Berninger and husband Thomas of Vineyard Haven, Mass., and Nellie Benner of Damariscotta; four brothers, Henry Benner of Northport, Gerald Benner of Plantsville, Conn., Richard Salerno of New Harbor, and Carmen Salerno of Ohio; half-brothers, Lester Benner, Virgil Benner and Tommy Benner, all of Maine; and brother-in-law, Mark Azukas.
Memorial service 6 p.m., Fri., Nov. 7 in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Rd., Oak Bluffs, Mass. officiated by Rev. Alden Besse. The family will receive family and friends from 4 p.m. until the time of service.
Donations may be made in his memory to his children’s educational fund to Leslie Benner, 334 Austin St., New Bedford, MA 02740.
Arrangements are by Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 56 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Rd., Oak Bluffs, Mass., www.ccgfuneralhome.com.
