Obituary of Benedict "Ben" Mallette

At Riverview Gardens Nursing Home, Benedict “Ben” Hector Mallette, age 96, of Chatham, passed peacefully, with family by his side, on Wednesday August 2^nd, 2023.

Devoted husband for 57 years to the late Mary (Doyle) Mallette (2013).  Born and raised in Grande Pointe, son of the late Esdras and Marie (Lucier) Mallette. Loving father of Anita (Mike) Snobelen, Raymond (Judy) Mallette, Peter (Susan) Mallette and Colleen (Maurice) Lantin. 

Proud Grandpa to Nicole Slatford, Colin Labadie, Aaron Mallette, Amanda Burrows, Kyle Mallette, Sara Mallette, Mitch Lantin and Tyler Lantin. Grandpa to 6 great grandchildren. 

Ben is survived by his brother Rene Moisan. He will also be remembered by his sister-in-law Sr. Jeanne Doyle and brother-in-law Jim Martin as well as many nieces and nephews.  Ben is predeceased by brothers Victor Mallette (2009) and Gerald Mallette (2022) as well as his sisters Marie Jeanne Herbert (2019) and Marguerite Grant (2012). He is also predeceased by his sisters-in-law Alice Mallette (2011) Patricia Moisan (2012) and Annette Martin (2016) and brothers-in-law Gerald Herbert (2003) and Mel Grant (1999).

Both Ben and Mary were founding members of the St. Agnes Parish community when the church was being built in 1957. They were both faithful and devoted parishioners , where Ben served many years as an usher and also served on Parish Council.

In 1954, Ben joined the Knights of Columbus first as a 3^rd Degree member and later in 1966, he joined the 4^th Degree. Always a proud and dedicated Knight, he went on to serve as Faithful Navigator for Council #1412.

Ben will be remembered by many in Chatham-Kent as the manager for the LCBO.  He retired in 1988, after 42 years. He often stated, very proudly, that he never took a sick day in all the years he worked for the Liquor Store.

Always interested in politics, Ben was first elected in 1993 as a Councilor for the former Dover Township. After serving 4 years on Council, he was later appointed to the Local Transition Board that guided the amalgamation of Chatham-Kent in 1997.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and thanks to the many staff members of 4West at Riverview Gardens for their devotion, care and compassion. For almost 9 years, they provided a home for Ben, and often went “above and beyond” in assuring that Ben was well cared for.

Friends and relatives may visit at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Tuesday August 8th from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM.  Knights of Columbus prayers Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday August 9th by at 10 AM in St. Agnes Church.  Cremation will follow. Donations to Haiti Missions (Donate - Haiti Missions (haitimisyon.com) or the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.