Lavern G. Benedict

Lavern G. Benedict, 91, of Cole Hill, Pittsfield PA passed away on June 12, 2022. Lavern, the son of Charles and Bertha (Eastman) Benedict, was born on August 12, 1930 in Garland PA. Lavern married Evelyn Bosko in 1949 and together they raised five children, Nancy (Doug) Jewell of both Pittsfield PA and North Carolina, David Benedict (Rosemary) of Pittsfield PA, Marilyn (Rick) Swabik of Centerville PA, Ed (Holly) Benedict of South Carolina and Elaine (Terrance) Edmiston of South Carolina. He is also survived by his siblings, Lee Benedict, Clara Saxton, Ruth Hagg and Roy Benedict, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 1 great great granddaughter.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings Allen Benedict, Lewis Benedict, Clarence Benedict and Dora Dygan and grandson Heath Benedict. 

Lavern’s first job off the family farm was working at a sawmill in Torpedo. He then worked at Irwin’s in Garland. Next he worked for 12 years at Aero Supply in Corry as a lab technician. Finally, after 30 years, he retired from National Forge as a final crankshaft inspector. In his younger years, in addition to working full time, he owned and operated his own dairy farm on Cole Hill in Pittsfield. 
Lavern lived in Pittsfield township for 91 years and cared about his community. He served as president of the Garland fire department for several years and acted as a first responder for ambulance calls. He also was head chairman for the Garland parades.
Lavern had many other interests. He found this passion for gardening young.  His senior project won “best home grown potatoes in the state” at the State Farm Show in Harrisburg. He went on to win countless ribbons at the Warren County Fair and he continued to garden every summer for the rest of his life. When friends and family visited they were sure to leave with fresh produce or a taste of his canned goods. Lavern also loved to hunt. He harvested two elk in Colorado and two caribou in Quebec. At 87 years old, he harvested a PA black bear.  His last three PA bucks were harvested with a bow at 88, 89 and 90 years old. These are only a few of the hunting stories he loved to share. Lavern also loved to tell stories of growing up during the Great Depression. Some of his favorites included his first automobile ride with Uncle Earl, who didn’t have to steer because the deep ruts in the road kept the tires going straight, not having electricity until his junior year of high school, and the day his dad bought their first tractor for the farm.  He enjoyed league bowling and polka music and dancing and loved playing cards with family, especially his grandchildren. He loved his family and passed on his love for storytelling, gardening, hunting and a good game of cards to them. 
Friends and family will be received at Nelson Funeral Home, 314 N Main Street, Youngsville, PA., on Thursday, June 16 from 5-7. On Friday, June 17, also at Nelson Funeral Home, friends and family will be received at 10am with a funeral at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lavern’s name to the Garland Volunteer Fire Department. 

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