William Antoine Benoit III

William, also known as Billy, Bill, Brother, Son, Father, and much more, was 47 when he passed away in his sleep on the night of December 26th, 2024. His death came as a shock to everyone. William was still recovering from multiple surgeries. Although, he seemed to be in good health while celebrating this past Christmas with family and friends. William is survived by his daughter, Sarah Benoit; his son, William Benoit IV; his mother, JoAnn Benoit; his two brothers, Jonathan and Joshua Benoit; his sister-in-law, Erica Benoit; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, William Benoit II.

William was an active member of every community he was part of. He was raised Catholic and confirmed at St. Cecilia’s Church in Pawtucket. After he moved to Cape Cod, he joined the First Congregational Church of Chatham with his family. William worked at Crocker Nurseries before starting his own landscaping business. He joined the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and later the Ehlers-Danlos Society. He loved to talk and meet new people. Wherever he went, he always made good friends.

William made a lasting impact in the Freemason community. He is a Past Master of St. Martin’s Lodge in Chatham and District Deputy Grand Master in Boston. With St. Martins Lodge, William organized many charity events. He started a balloon fundraiser in 2012 for the AFF to help multicultural exchange students. William, alongside his family and other lodge members, inflated and sold these balloons at band concerts during the summer. He helped raise tens of thousands of dollars over the course of 7 years. Additionally, William organized a team of freemasons with Russ Heamer for the Relay for Life in 2017. That year, the 21st District raised over $16,000. Their team has been the top fundraiser ever since. He also started the Masonic Passport, which is used throughout the country. The bonds he has made with his brothers will surely last beyond this lifetime.

Through every challenge William faced, he always kept a positive outlook. Born with Ehlers-Danlos, he overcame adversities of living with a disability. William’s strong spirit persisted through many injuries and surgeries. Especially after facing near death experiences, he put as much effort as he could into pursuing happiness.

His love for life could be seen through his photography and landscaping. William was a certified horticulturist, who enjoyed gardening. He built a beautiful backyard and planted food for his family. He even harvested honey when he had bees. Not only did William support the community, he supported the ecosystem too. As his last act of kindness, he intended to donate his body to science. While we were unable to fulfill this request, his ashes will still be returned to the earth. His family misses all the love he gave to this world.

Please join us for the celebration of William’s life. A memorial visitation and Masonic funeral will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home in Chatham from 4pm-7pm on January 10th. His service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Chatham on January 11th from 1pm-2pm. Afterwards, there will be a collation at the church. Condolences can be sent to 11 Konuhasset Way, Chatham, MA 02633. Donations to the Ehlers-Danlos Society are encouraged.