AKWESASNE – Mr. Michael A. Benedict, Sr., 67, of 22 Third Street, St. Regis, unexpectedly passed away Friday evening, November 17, 2017 at Cornwall Community Hospital.

Mike was born April 5, 1950 in St. Regis, Quebec, the son of the late Joseph and Louise Garrow Benedict. He attended grade school in St. Regis and graduated from Salmon River Central School in 1969. He later took courses at SUNY Oswego and Canton ATC. On April 3, 1971, he married Leona A. Beaubien at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Francis Arsenault officiating.

Mike was a lineman for Niagara Mohawk, retiring in 2007 after 30 years of service. After his retirement, he treasured the time he was able to be on the river in his boat, fishing, and spending time at his camp. As a younger man, he coached many hockey and lacrosse teams. He also was truly dedicated to watching his grandchildren play in their various sporting events. Mike was a member of the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group and a communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church.

Mike is survived by his wife, Leona; his children, Mike Jr. and Anastasia Benedict and Dana and Robert Henhawk, all of Akwesasne; his grandchildren, Brayden, Mikaylee, Michael III, Neely, and Colten; his sisters, Kathryn Square, Nancy White, Joan and Joe Phillips, and Lucy and Gordon Beaubien, all of Akwesasne; and his brothers, John and Joseph Benedict, both of Akwesasne; his godchildren, Ben Benedict, Joseph Phillips, and Louise Papineau; his mother-in-law, Margie Beaubien; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Frankie Benedict; and sisters Elizabeth "Betty" Lazore, Janet Benedict Curleyhead, and Roberta Benedict.

Friends called at the home of his daughter from Monday until Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may consider memorial contributions to an Akwesasne Minor Sports Team of your choice in his memory.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.