Thomas Gerard Benedict

It is with deep and heavy sadness that our family announces the death of Thomas Gerard Benedict, who passed away from cardiac arrest on May 7, 2014 at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in LaPlata, MD. Tom was born in Baltimore, MD in 1936 and as a Catholic, baptized at St. Wenceslaus Church. He lived in Baltimore during his childhood before moving to Newburg, MD where he’s lived for the past 60 years. He was the beloved son of the late Lillian Troch and Joseph Daniel Benedict (a Baltimore police officer slain in the line of duty on February 13, 1948). Tom joined the United States Marine Corps as a young man and was immediately recognized by his commanding officer for his sharp shooting abilities of the M1 rifle and .45 caliber pistol. He was asked by Colonel Walter Walsh to join the pistol team where he proceeded to win many top awards at meets across the United States bringing honor and recognition to his Corps unit as well as his family. Upon honorable discharge in 1959, he built his career at Washington, DC’s Navy Yard, and then at Indian Head’s Naval Ordinance Station as a Quality Control Inspector for various projects such as RAPEC, Rapid Accelerator Pilot Ejection Canisters. Upon retirement he remained active and never wavered in his espirit de corps, a member of the American Legion Post 82, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10081 in Bel Alton, MD, and Southern MD Leathernecks (a detachment of the local chapter of the Marine Corps League). Semper Fi! He loved playing cards and looked forward to his weekly pitch nights at the VFW, often proudly reporting to family of his high standings and regular winnings. He loved watching college football, the Colts (as a Baltimore team), the Ravens, and the Orioles. He enjoyed deep sea fishing and had a talent for cooking that was appreciated by anyone fortunate enough to sample his creations. But above all he deeply loved his family and cherished the time he spent with his three children and three grandchildren. He was so very loved and will be greatly missed but will be carried in the hearts and spirit of all those who knew and loved him. And with his words of encouragement will always be remembered for his motto, “Try your best...that’s the only thing that you can do.” He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia; his daughters Chris and Laura; his son Michael; his grandchildren Trevor (13), Morgan (11), and Alexa (7); his two brothers, J. Donald and Robert; and his sister, Jo-Ann. Friends and family received on Monday, May 19, 2014 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM with Prayers at 7 PM at Raymond Funeral Service Chapel, 5635 Washington Avenue, LaPlata, MD 20646. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 201 St. Mary’s Avenue, LaPlata, MD 20646. Interment with full military honors by the US Marine Corps Guard on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 11:30 AM at the MD Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623. Memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Church, 201 St. Mary’s Avenue, LaPlata, MD 20646.

Thomas Gerard Benedict

August 12, 1936 - May 7, 2014