Obituary of Frank Benedict

Frank Daniel Benedict "Dan" Age 67, of Plainfield, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at home surrounded by his wife and daughter. Survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Mary Lou (Boyd) Benedict of Joliet; daughter, Danielle (Brian) Blake of Joliet; sisters-in-law, Sally (Bob) Hlavka and Donna (Victor) Biasetti; mother-in-law, Margaret Boyd; and also numerous nieces, nephews, wonderful friends and Payton, his grand dog who truly became his companion. Preceded in death by his daughter, Megan Benedict (1993); parents, Frank and Rosemary Benedict; and father-in-law, Donald Boyd. Dan loved and used his endless creativity through carpentry and woodworking, he was an avid NHRA and Formula I racing fan. He was known for his kindness, the ability to talk to anyone, a generous loving spirit who was always providing guidance and advice and his ability to make everyone around him feel special. His passion was education and encouraging his daughter, Danielle, to further her degrees and pushing his daughter, Megan to know that she was just as special as any other child. All who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him will dearly miss him. In his last days, he emphasized a quote from Jimmy Buffet which defined his life, "some of it's magic, some of it's tragic, but I had a good life all of the way." He graduated from Loyola University in 2005 and was a 1965 graduate from Joliet Catholic High. His most recent endeavor was working for the University of St. Francis as a shuttle bus driver. Over his career, he retired from Loyola University Maywood, owned his own carpentry business and was a local 174 carpenter. A special thank you to the Cardinal Bernadine Cancer Center at Loyola Hospital in Maywood where Dan received excellent care from the physicians and staff during his illness. Also a huge thank you to Joliet Area Community Hospice especially his nurse, Heather, for bettering his quality of life during the last few weeks. Visitation for Dan Benedict will be Friday, February 13, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Cremation rites will follow. Memorials in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice or the University of St. Francis would be appreciated. For information (815) 741-5500