Brother Eugene L. Behenna

Brother Eugene L. Behenna, C.F.X., 95, the oldest member of the Congregation of the Brothers of Saint Francis Xavier, a congregation he faithfully served for seventy-eight years, died Saturday morning, May 25, 2024 following a period of declining health. Born in Somerville on August 17, 1928, he was the son of the late Edgar and Alice (Gerrior) Behenna. Brother Eugene was educated at Saint Joseph’s Juniorate in Peabody and entered the Xaverian Brothers on February 15, 1946. Six months later, he received the holy habit, taking the name Brother Edgar. Brother Eugene received his bachelor’s degree from the Catholic University of America in 1952. A master’s degree followed in 1960. He completed graduate studies over the course of his teaching ministry at Boston University, Salem State, and Montclair State University. The first fifteen years of his teaching apostolate would bring him to the Leonard Hall School in Leonardtown, MD, Mt. St. Joseph High School in Baltimore, St. Joseph Preparatory School in Bardstown, KY, and Notre Dame High School in Utica, NY. He served at Saint John’s Preparatory School in Danvers from 1962-1967 and St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, NJ from 1967-1972. From Montvale, Brother Eugene returned to Utica in his longest assignment, serving the students of Notre Dame High School until 1985. Five years at Xavier High School in Middletown, CT would complete his teaching ministry, while remaining in the brothers’ community there until he became a member of the community at Xaverian House in Danvers in 2017. In retirement he remained active as a volunteer at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Middletown and more recently at Saint Mary of the Annunciation Parish in Danvers where he served as a lector and member of the choir. In addition to his brothers in religion, he leaves a brother, Peter Behenna of Desert Hot Springs, CA and numerous nieces and nephews including Joan Daly, Peggy Defren, and Barbara McLaughlin. He was predeceased by his siblings, Joseph, Robert, Brother Guy, C.F.X., William, Elmer, Vincent, Edgar, Charles, Clayton, and Lorraine Behenna and Alice McRae. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 3PM in the Chapel of Saint John’s Preparatory School, 72 Spring St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Xaverian Brothers Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be Monday prior to the Mass from 2-2:45PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brother Eugene’s memory may be made to the Xaverian Brothers Retirement Fund, 4409 Frederick Ave., Baltimore, MD 21229. Arrangements are by C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Guestbook available at www.LyonsFuneral.com.