DANVERS – Mr. Rodger R. Benjamin passed away peacefully on Friday, February 24th, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Medford, he was the son of the late Edward S. and Persis H. (Wyman) Benjamin. He was the loving husband of Joan E. (Bartley) Benjamin, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Mr. Benjamin was raised and educated in Melrose, graduating from Melrose High School in 1951, and obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from Tufts University in 1955. After graduation Rodger took the summer to travel around the states. Upon returning home he enlisted in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged, Rodger became employed with Raytheon in Andover, where he became a Defense Engineer and worked on projects in Desert Storm and the Iraq war. He was apart of the famous Patriot Design Missile Team. Rodger loved his job and was well known for his work ethic.

Rodger and his beloved wife Joan moved to Danvers in 1962, where they began their family. He was extremely talented in wood working, and built their home in Danvers. Rodger loved building things; whether is be his family, life, work projects, or community, you could always count on him. He was a devoted family man. He had a love for cars, especially restoring old Mustangs. Rodger was a member of the Knights of Columbus, on the school board for St. Mary's of the Annunciation Grammar School, and helped coach local soccer teams.

He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family; taking them to movies, sledding, out for ice cream, and beach trips. One of his favorite things was jumping into the car and taking a drive after a good snowstorm.

In addition to his beloved wife Joan E. Benjamin of Danvers, Rodger is survived by his daughters; Lizabeth K. Benjamin of Newburyport, and Marguerite M. Hopey and her husband Richard of New Boston, NH, along with grandchildren; Laurel K. Auth, Brendan C. Auth, Jack M. Hopey, and Ethan R. Hopey. He is preceded in death by his son Gregory W. Benjamin.

ARRANGEMENTS:  His funeral service will be held at St. Richard's Church, 90 Forest St, Danvers, MA on Friday, March 3rd at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be held at the church prior to mass from 10:30 – 11 A.M. Assisting the family with arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make donations to Habitat for Humanity, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Habitat for Humanity
322 West Lamar Street, Americus GA 31709
Web: https://secure.habitat.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30014b?idb=408740325&df_id=4973&497