TOPSFIELD - Mr. Walter A. Bencal Jr., 83 of Topsfield, beloved husband of Alice (Bernard) Bencal, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Walter Sr., and Evelyn (Schervinski) Bencal. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Lynn. Walter continued his education receiving his bachelor's degree from Bentley University.

An honorably discharged veteran, Walter proudly served his country as a petty officer in the United States Coast Guard.

Mr. Bencal worked his entire professional career as an Accountant, first with Eastman Gelatine Corp in Peabody for 25 years and retiring from the Internal Revenue Service in Boston after an additional 15 years of dedicated service.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Walter was the quintessential family man. Married for 60 years to the love of his life Alice, they spent many wonderful years together raising their family and traveling around the world. Walter was a hands-on Dad and Grandfather. He was happiest when surrounded by his family and treasured time spent attending his children's and grandchildren's many activities and events and was always proud of their accomplishments.  He was strong, supportive, and kind and could always be counted on for his guidance and words of encouragement. Walter gave back to his community in many ways, he spent many hours coaching Pop Warner football, was involved with the Boy Scouts of America and served as Social Director and Board member of the Great Hill Association for many years.  It didn't matter to Walter whether it was a family vacation in New Hampshire, school event or sporting event, all that mattered to him was that he was supporting his family. Walter was an avid golfer who enjoyed the camaraderie of many friends he played with and in his younger years he liked mountain climbing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He was proud to claim that he hiked all the northern and southern peaks in the presidential range. Walter will always be remembered for his love of family, his kind and generous spirit and will be deeply missed but always remembered by his loving family and friends.

Surviving Walter in addition to his wife Alice are his daughters, Laurie Bencal of Charlestown, Lynne Evaul and her husband Jeffrey of Topsfield, his son, Christopher Bencal and his wife Karen Krause-Bencal of Ipswich, his grandchildren, Ryan, Sean and Jack Evaul of Topsfield and Emily and Kaitlyn Bencal of Ipswich, and his sister Helena Falkowski of Peabody.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service which will be held in O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Monday, October 16th at 10 A.M. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Sunday, October 15th from 2 to 5 P.M. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Walter's memory to Kaplan Family Hospice House, 75 Sylvan St., Suite 102B, Danvers, MA 01923 or to St. Rose of Lima Parish, 12 Park St., Topsfield, MA 01983. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Kaplan Family Hospice House
75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers MA 01923
Web: https://www.caredimensions.org/support-our-mission/ways-to-give/

St. Rose of Lima Parish
12 Park St., Topsfield MA 01983