Obituary of Francis D. Benedict

Francis David Benedict (Frank, Frankie, F.D.), of Pompton Plains, New Jersey, formerly of Madison, New Jersey, passed away on June 27, 2024. He was 95.

He was born in New Haven Connecticut January 3, 1929 to Edward Nathan Benedict and Mary Katherine Doolan Benedict. He graduated from Hamden High School in 1946 and spent one year at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. He then attended Yale University, graduating with a B.S., M.S. and then a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics in 1956. 

Frank is survived by his wife, Barbara Morris Benedict of Pompton Plains, his daughters Elizabeth Benedict of Millburn, NJ, Mary Claire Benedict of Montpelier, Vermont and her husband Robert Kasow, his son Andrew Benedict of Morristown, NJ and his wife Angelina. He was predeceased by his son Edward R. Benedict in 2019. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Jane Park of North Bergen NJ and grandchildren Robin McGrath,, Ellen McGrath, Julian Kasow, Georgia Kasow, Sofia Benedict and his great-grandson Cornelius Dukelow.

Frank began his long career at Bell Laboratories in Whippany, NJ in 1956 as Member of the Technical Staff and eventually retired as a Department Head. His work involved research on military systems for the U.S. government  focusing on oceanography and nuclear missile defense. His work was top secret and he was good at keeping a secret so that’s all there is to say about that. 

As a resident of Madison for 54 years, Frank began his civic engagement with the Borough’s Charter Commission which led to a term on the Borough Council and seventeen years on the Madison Planning Board including as Chair. Frank was also involved with the Madison Public Library where he started a series of college level mini courses with Drew University professors. He organized and ran this very successful program for over twenty years. Frank was also a voracious reader, lover of classical music, amateur photographer, avid traveler and life-long Democrat. He and his wife Barbara would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. 

A burial service will take place at St Mary’s Cemetery in Hamden, CT on July 28th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s name to Doctors Without Borders. 

Arrangements are under the care of Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, Madison, NJ.