Obituary of Leonard A. Benedict

Leonard A. Benedict "Sarge" "Pa" of Fairport died December 9, 2012 at age 82. Len is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Caren; 3 children, LuAnn (Gary) Pachkoski, Mark (Beth) Minard and Christi Zimmerman; 2 beloved grandsons, Sean and Ryan Zimmerman. Len was a proud Marine Corps Veteran who served with the famous "George" Company of the 1st Marine Regt. 1st Marine Division as an 81mm Mortar Forward Observer in the Korean War. He was one of the founding members of the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Greater Rochester. This organization takes care of Marines and their families. Len was also the founder of the Leatherneck Open golf tournament which benefits Marine families and was one of the founders of the International Marine Tattoo and served as President and COO. He was a member of the Cooper Marine American Legion Post 603. Len volunteered weekly at the Veterans Outreach Center where he worked in the Welcome Center and greeted visitors. For all of these reasons, and many more, Len was named Rochester's Number One Marine at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in November 2012. Len served 18 years in the Marine Corps (12 active). Upon returning to Rochester he was denied reenlistment due to his age. Len then enlisted in the US Army Reserve, 98th Division here in Rochester and retired as Master Sergeant. Len thanks the Army for the good life it gave him. Len was an avid golf fan and worked at Shadow Pines and Greystone Golf Courses for many years. Len wanted everyone to know that he will miss his two grandsons Sean and Ryan, and with St. Peter's permission, he plans to watch over them from the Guard Shack in Heaven (if St. Peter will let him in). No prior calling. Len's Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday 11:15 AM at Church of the Assumption, 20 East Ave., Fairport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Marine Corps Coordinating Council c/o Steve Grandusky, 79 Sea Watch Trail, Webster, NY 14580.