Benedict J. Vasnes

Benedict “B.J.” J. Vasnes, 66, of Boiling Springs, SC, husband of the late Sharon (Steinbrecher) Vasnes, passed away on December 16, 2024, after a long battle of failing health from cancer and complications from double pneumonia, in Boiling Springs, SC, where he had moved, to live with his sister, after his wife’s passing in 2015.

Ben was born June 11, 1958, son of the late Benedict F. and Stella (Biernacki) Vasnes. He grew up in Terryville and met the love of his life, Sharon, who he spent 25 wonderful years together and was her caregiver throughout the onset of her debilitating illness, until her passing.

He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1090, Terryville. Ben enjoyed working in his yard and tending to his plants and vegetable garden. His “green thumb” could root any plant back to life, even from a single leaf. He enjoyed upholstering and refurbishing old furniture. Before his wife’s illness, they enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii, Paris, and their “get-away” home to Vermont; cruising; and attending various concerts, including favorites “The Moody Blues”.

Ben and Sharon became a Host Family and sponsored a young student, Pierre, from Paris, through the Foreign Exchange Student Program at Terryville High School. Pierre made his home with Ben and Sharon while attending his senior year at the high school under this program. They remained in touch throughout his return to Paris and he and his brother even came back to the US to visit Ben and Sharon. Pierre loved Ben and Sharon and called them his “second Mom and Dad” and invited them to Paris to meet his family. They were welcomed with open arms and all became close friends, keeping in touch and visiting Paris on several occasions.

Ben was a graduate of Terryville High School. He also attended Tunxis Community College and Morse School of Business. He was employed at Northeast Utilities in Customer Service for many years. He was later promoted to management in Stores and Purchasing and was employed until unforeseen circumstances required him to take family leave to help care for his wife’s elderly parents. Over the years he was employed by the Hartford Courant in Customer Relations as well as St. Casimir Church as a custodian, for many years.

Ben is survived by his loving sisters, Beverly Hoadly of Terryville, and Juliana Roy of Boiling Springs, SC; his close cousins, Carol (Woznis) Duksa (late husband, Duke), Barbara (Woznis) Andrews and husband Ray; his nieces and nephews, Howard (Rebecca) Hoadley, Darrin (Brenda) Hoadley, Eric Hoadley, who is also his godson, Chad (Amy) Hoadley, Anita (Scott) Hayden and Kenneth (Theresa) Bobola and many other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Michelle Steinbrecher of PA and their children, John E. Steinbrecher, and Heather (Terry) DelRossi. Besides his parents and beloved wife, Ben was predeceased by his brother, George Bobola and brother-in-law Howard Hoadley Jr.

Ben will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him. May he rest in Peace!

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main St, Terryville, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 6-8 PM. Private burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Terryville. www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

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