Brother Bede Benn
July 31, 1920 ~ May 10, 2016
Brother Bede Benn, C.F.X., 95, the oldest member of the Congregation of the Brothers of Saint Francis Xavier, which he served faithfully for 77 years, died Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at the Hathorne Hill Rehab. Center in Danvers.
Born Joseph R. Benn on July 31, 1920, he was the son of the late Hugh and Nora (Petty) Benn. He attended Saint Joseph Juniorate in Peabody and entered the Xaverian Brothers in 1939, taking the name Brother Bede. He studied at the Catholic University of America and received his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University in Baltimore. A master’s degree followed in 1955 and he later did further graduate studies at Boston College and Bridgewater State College.
His teaching ministry brought him first to St. Francis de Sales High School in Utica, NY and then to Saint John’s High School in Worcester/Shrewsbury. He then taught at Boys’ Catholic High School in Malden and Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood before volunteering with a group of Xaverian Brothers to teach and minister to the Lakota Sioux at the Saint Francis Mission in South Dakota. After nearly thirty years in South Dakota, he returned to Malden Catholic where he continued tutored until 2009. He had resided at Xaverian House in Danvers since 2009.
He leaves numerous nieces and nephews in addition to his brothers in religion. He was predeceased by his siblings Hugh Benn, Susan Byrne, George Benn, Sr., and Mary Gogain.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11AM in the Chapel of Saint John’s Preparatory School, 75 Spring St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Xaverian Brothers’ Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting hours in the Chapel prior to the Mass from 9-11AM. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Xaverian Brothers’ Haitian Ministries, 4409 Frederick Ave., Baltimore, MD or the St. Francis Mission Foundation, 201 Main Street, Suite 310 Rapid City, SD 57701, where Brother Bede worked for more than twenty years. www.LyonsFuneral.com.
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Brother Bede taught me Algebra at Malden Catholic in 1961-62. It was the first year of the “New Math”, SMSG, which Brother told us (confidentially) stood for “Some Math, Some Garbage”. Brother Bede’s best day was everyday. Each and every day he showed us what a person should be…. he showed us love, dignity, respect and humor…each and every day. We are the lesser for his having passed, but we are by far the greater for his having been here. RIP Brother Bede, enjoy the New Life that you so richly deserve.
John Dowling
Bluffton SC
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Brother Bede. During my time at Malden Catholic, Brother Bede was a science teacher and athletic director. Whether it was the sports field or the science lab, he was a role model to so many students at Malden Catholic. Brother Bede brought passion, dedication, and energy to every aspect of the Malden Catholic community. He was an inspiration to us all. May he rest peace.
Edward J. Markey (MC 1964)
United States Senator
Lit a candle in memory of Brother Bede Benn
My students always loved to see Brother Bede walking down the hallways of Malden Catholic and were elated when he would come in for a visit. He was always welcome because of his upbeat attitude and generous heart. He will be missed.
Brother Bede,
A tribute to a long and fulfilling life of reverence to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, unselfish giving of himself to others and really a very nice man who was a wonderful role model to be around. As one of his former math students who eventually became an engineer through his persistent efforts, I will always remember Brother Bede fondly.
Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum!
Phil Divver XBHS ’71
My wife and I have had the privilege to spend time with Brother Bede. He always had a warm smile and was so alert for his age. What an honor to have know such a holy devoted Brother. May he rest in peace.
When I arrived at XBHS in 1966, I was a pretty awkward kid, apprehensive of my new surroundings. Brother Bede was one of the first people who made me feel that I belonged, and might even have something valuable to contribute. Many people underestimated Brother Bede — and the kids were pretty merciless in mocking his speech. But he had obviously learned to let that sort of thing pass over him like water. And beneath his jovial manner was great depth, of both character and intellect. I have had many fine teachers, through college and graduate school, but I still think of Brother Bede as one of the finest educators I have ever known, combining the ability to explain the substance with the ability to inspire kids to learn. More important, his was one of the kindest and most caring human beings I have ever known.
I will always remember — the the greatest fondness and respect — our dear “Bwuddah Bede.”
John F. Daly, XBHS ’70
Like many others I met Brother Bede in Freshman Algebra & Geometry at XBHS/Westwood in 1969. I had him for Algebra II as well, sophomore year. He also drove the bus to our away games when I played freshman basketball, and I saw him sweeping the floor in the gym more than once. Talk about a man who loved what he was doing! A true inspiration.
Frank Murray, XBHS ’73
Brother Bede was a legend at XBHS while I was a student till 1968! He constantly encouraged me every day with his expression ” you can do it”. He was a life long inspiration to generations of students. The world and the Xaverian community have lost a great advocate in Brother Bede. I will miss him every day,
.Paul Bowes XBHS ,68