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Benedict E. Novinski, Sr., 97, of Chester passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 1, surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband of the late Nicholine (Grote) Novinski for 46 years. He was born Aug. 4, 1923, in Moodus, son of the late Edward and Theofila (Dykas) Novinski.

He graduated from Nathan Hale Ray High School (NHRHS) in 1941. Ben served during World War II as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1943 to 1946. Following his service, he began working for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1988. An exceptional athlete, Ben was honored to be an inaugural inductee into the NHRHS Hall of Fame in 1994. He maintained a lifelong passion for baseball. Ben was an outstanding pitcher for the Moodus baseball team following his service in World War II. He was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed sharing his love of the sport by taking his grandsons to Fenway Park ball games every summer.

Ben was remarkably well liked and respected by all who knew him because of his patient, easy-going, and gracious manner. He was a selfless, humble, and generous man, holding the highest integrity and value in family life. Above all, Ben’s greatest accomplishment in his life was his devotion to his family. From teaching his grandchildren how to drive to attending their sporting events, musicals, art shows, and every family function in between, Ben took the utmost pride in supporting and celebrating his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in all they did.

Ben is survived by his twin daughters Cathy and her husband Jim Weselcouch of East Haddam and Cindy and her husband Gary Stevens, Sr., of Chester; a daughter-in-law, Diane Novsinki of Old Saybrook; one brother, Henry Novinski of Moodus; one sister, Celia Delehanty of East Haddam; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his son Benedict Novinski, Jr.; one granddaughter, Catherine Weselcouch; three brothers; and three sisters.

A funeral Mass and burial with full military honors were held privately. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Church of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 48 Middlesex Avenue, Chester, CT 06412. To share a memory of Ben or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral in Centerbrook.