Robert A. Benard Jr.

Robert A. Benard, Jr., 50, passed away unexpectedly January 4, 2020. Born September 24, 1969 in Holyoke, MA, he was a son to Robert A. Sr. and Rita (Petit) Benard. Rob was a 1987 graduate of Chicopee Comprehensive High School and received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from UMASS Amherst. He was employed for several years as a EH&S manager with U.S. Tsubaki in Holyoke. Rob was an avid sports enthusiast, a lifelong New England Sports fan, and was one of the most knowledgeable individuals when it came to recalling sporting events and beyond. He channeled his love for sports into a passion for coaching and was deeply integrated with coaching a variety of sports, including Agawam youth sports for many years. Rob was well versed in numerous areas, was extremely humble and always gave more than he received. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, Adria (Proakis); a devoted and proud father to his children Demi, Matt and Kyra; and will further be missed by his parents; brother Brian Benard and his wife, Karen and their children Chloe, Ava and Emma all of Ludlow, MA; sister-in-law Rebecca Mitchell and her husband, David of Somers, CT; mother-in-law Esther Fisher and John Fisher; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends for whom Rob’s family will eternally be grateful. He was predeceased by his father-in-law Peter Proakis. Calling hours for Rob will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2020 from 4-8PM at Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, 985 Main St., Agawam. A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Rob will be held at 11AM on Friday, January 10th at the funeral home with a calling hour one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Agawam Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Memorial Fund for the Children of Rob, c/o Easthampton Savings Bank, 770 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001. For online condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.