Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE - Phillip R. Benedict, 52, of 664 Island Road, Kawehnoke, unexpectedly passed on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Cornwall Community Hospital.

Phillip was born on November 29, 1965, in Cornwall, ON, son of the late Joseph and Mary Boots Benedict. He graduated from General Vanier Secondary School. After being together for 24 years, he married Annalisa Johnson on December 2, 2016 in Las Vegas, NV.

Phillip was an Ironworker with Local 440 Utica and was a member of the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group. He loved yard work and was very meticulous about it. He enjoyed playing cards, gambling, and travelling, and was a gifted woodworker and enjoyed home decorating and painting. He collected boats, antique cars, and enjoyed internet garage sales. He loved being on the water and enjoying time with his family and friends.

Phillip is survived by his loving wife and companion of 26 years, Annalisa; a son from a previous marriage, Brandon Benedict and his companion Ronnie Cree of Akwesasne; one granddaughter, Brielle Benedict; two chosen children, Eric and Sara Arquette; and Patricia Johnson, all of Akwesasne; and four step-children, Kristopher, Steven, Michael, and Lacey, all of Akwesasne.

Phillip is also survived by his sisters, Jean Benedict, Wanda and Kenneth Sharrow, and Kathy and Thomas Benedict, all of Akwesasne; two brothers, Roger and Barbra Benedict of Oka, Quebec and Roy "Jr." and Darlene Benedict of Akwesasne; one aunt, Charmaine Booth, of Onondaga; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary; an infant son, Brent; three sisters, Marion Ann Herne on March 29, 1985; Linda Hopps on October 11, 2006; and Susan Square on January 9, 2012; and his brother, John "Sawatis" Benedict on March 7, 2008; and two uncles.

Friends called from Monday to Wednesday at 28 Gray Bear Road where funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 25. Cremation will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made in Phillip's memory to the American Diabetes Association.

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