FREDERICK JOSEPH "FRED" BENWAY , 87, of Northside Rd. in Stark, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Weeks Medical Center in Lancaster with his loving family by his side.

Fred was born in Bartlett, NH on June 15, 1935, to the late John William and Katherine Mary (McGee) Benway. Fred moved to Groveton in 1948, and then to Stark in 1960 with the love of his life, Juanita.

Fred worked for Groveton Paper Co.; Diamond International; James River; and Wausau Papers for a total of 40 years, retiring in 1996. Although retired, retired didn't mean idle. Fred could always be found in his garden, mowing his property under the shadow of Percy Peaks, and growing beautiful lilacs, sunflowers, and gladiolas. He was always willing to share the gladiolas with anyone who stopped to admire them. In the winter, snowflakes didn't dare linger on his driveway for very long.

Fred's greatest pride was his family. Nothing made him happier than welcoming a new grandchild or great-grandchild. He loved holding them as babies, but as they grew and started playing outside, he was always there to make sure they were safe and didn't stray far. He also enjoyed going for walks and loved lighthouses.

He was a member of the Stark United Methodist Church. He was also a selectman for the Town of Stark for 12 years and a Constable (special Police officer) for many years.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Juanita Benway of Stark; their four children Debra Dockum (partner Larry Frizzell) of Dover, NH; Frederick M. "Butch" Benway (wife Donna) of Old Orchard, ME; Bonnie Lunn (partner Richard Niles) of Stark, NH; and Lisa Colby (husband Keith) of Lunenburg, VT; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters Elizabeth Damon of West Stewartstown; and Roze Marie Rich of Colebrook, and 15 nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers William Benway and Edmund "Timer" Benway.

Fred, Freddy, Dad, Daddy, Grampa, Papa, Uncle Freddie – whatever name we used, he was loved and will be missed by so many.

There will be a Graveside service on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 1:00 pm in the Emerson Road Cemetery, with Pastor Eungil Cho of the United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home in Groveton.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Fred's name to be made to either the Stark United Methodist Church; c/o Debbie Joyce; PO Box 36, Stark, NH 03582 or the Pew Owners Association of the Stark United Methodist Church; c/o/ Deborah Montgomery; 42 Riverside Dr.; Groveton, NH 03582, for the restoration project.

To send the family your condolences via the online register book, please visit, www.armstrongcharronfuneralhome.com