It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gilbert Robert Benard, lovingly known as Gilly, who left us too soon on July 27, 2025.

Born on June 29, 1955, in Middletown, Connecticut, Gilbert lived an extraordinary life, marked by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. He resided in Swansea, Massachusetts, where he was a cherished member of the community. His legacy is a testament to the adage, "To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors."

Gilbert was a luminous soul, a beacon of compassion and patience in his longstanding career as a Registered Nurse and Nursing Director. He dedicated his life to the healthcare profession, offering comfort and laughter to those in need. His presence was boisterous, his words comforting, and his dedication a source of inspiration to many. In retirement, he returned to his roots, teaching himself how to play guitar on top of his beautiful voice. Through every era of his life, he belted out songs, from leading a band, to jam sessions with his children and grandchildren. He loved fishing, the Red Sox and in his younger years coaching Little League and Pop Warner Football. He was a gentle man with a big heart, embodying Maya Angelou's words, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Constance Benard, son, Jason Robert, brother Raymond "Bugsy", and sister, Donna.

Gilbert is survived by his loving wife, Madeline (Botelho) Benard, daughter Nickoa (Benard) Norwood and husband Cedrick, son Kenneth Benard and wife Paulina, daughter Madelynn Benard, Brother David Benard and wife Kathy, sister Margaret (Benard) Deveau and husband Eric, grandchildren KrystyAna, Kyle, Taya, Angel, Leo, Kenneth, Joey, CJ, Keegan, Maia, Jaxon, and Kora, great-grandchildren Trace and Isla, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM at the Southcoast Funeral Home, located at 1555 Pleasant Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02723.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:30 AM at the same venue presided over by Chaplain and Life Celebrant Ines Bates.

We invite everyone who knew and loved Gilbert Robert to come and share in the celebration of his remarkable life.

In keeping Gilbert's memory alive, we encourage all who knew him to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page. These shared experiences and moments captured in time serve as a reminder of the impact Gilbert had on our lives. Each story, each photo, is a testament to a life lived with purpose, love, and compassion.

Let us remember Gilbert Robert Benard, not with sadness, but with joy for having known such a remarkable person. As we reflect on the life he lived, let us remember the words of Albert Schweitzer, "The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve." Gilbert found his happiness in service, and for that, we honor him.

Donations can be humbly made in Gilbert's memory to the Smile Train Foundation, flowers will also be accepted by the family.

https://www.smiletrain.org/

Services are humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast Funeral Homes "Celebrating A Life Well Lived"