Bento “Benny” DaFonte, Jr., 79, of Lapeer, died Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Benny was born May 23, 1941 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Bento and Gladys (Gorman) DaFonte. He graduated from Pittsfield High School, class of 1961. After attending Berkshire Community College for a bit, Benny went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. Benny had a long and fulfilling career working primarily for Udylite and Quin-Tec, both of Warren. He retired in 1999. Benny loved dancing, cooking, travel, woodworking, decorating and building things – he was busy all the time. Joyce and Benny visited all 50 states and every province in Canada. Benny loved staying at home as much as he loved travel. Benny loved life. Benny is survived by his beloved wife, best friend and soulmate of 28 years, Joyce (nee, Woodsmall) DaFonte; children: Kathleen (Todd) White of White River, AZ, Helen (Abraham) Fall of White River, AZ and Michael DaFonte of Phoenix, AZ; two grandchildren: Meghan Elizabeth White and Richard Bento White; siblings: Marion (Chester) Dalzell of Palm Coast, FL, Thomas DaFonte of Pittsfield, MA, Ida Calkins of Pittsfield, MA and Patricia Laston of Pittsfield, MA. Benny is also survived by a host of nieces & nephews and many beloved extended family members. He was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents and his sister Hilda Shook. In keeping with Benny’s wishes cremation services have been entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home, Lapeer. A memorial service will be held in the near future. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Condolences and memories may be left at www.MuirBrothersLapeer.com.