Robert E Benoit, Ph.D.
BLACKSBURG, VA: Robert E. Benoit (Bob) 86, passed away on November 18, 2020, from complications of diabetes.
Bob was born in Enosburg Falls, VT, son of the late Harland and Elma Myott Benoit and raised on the family dairy farm. After graduating from Enosburg Falls High School, Class of 1952, he earned his B.S. in Agronomy from UVM. Upon completion of serving active duty in the Army, he earned an MS and Ph.D. in Microbiology from Rutgers University.
Bob joined the faculty of the Virginia Tech Biology Department, teaching thousands of students over 40 years. He was an active member of the American Society of Microbiology and conducted research in Antarctica and Alaska. Teaching was always his passion, even in retirement. He continued to teach Biomedical Ethics until just before his death.
Though Bob lived in Virginia, Vermont was always “home.” Most years he spent a week at camp at Lake Carmi, visiting with relatives and his Enosburg High classmates.
Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jean; his children Beth Benoit and wife Carole Russell of Chelmsford, MA, Paul Benoit and wife Janice Balog of Lyman, NH, and Denise Benoit-Turner and husband Bill Turner of Middletown, MD; his grandchildren Ethan Russell-Benoit, John Robert Benoit, Bryce Russell-Benoit, David Turner, and James Turner; his brothers Paul Benoit and wife Sally of East Hartford CT, and Larry Benoit of Enosburg Falls VT; his sister-in-law Sandy Benoit of Alpharetta GA; and nieces Betsy Dempsey, Nickelle Benoit Crowley, Carmen Benoit, Megan Benoit Ratcliff, and their families.
Burial, in Enosburgh, will be scheduled post-pandemic. Condolences may be sent to the family at 1602 Hawthorne Ridge, Blacksburg, VA 24060.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Robert E. and Jean L. Benoit Scholarship (c/o University of Vermont Foundation, 411 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401).
