Benjamin Wrend, 91

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Benjamin Wrend
September 15, 1933 – December 9, 2024
North Adams, MA

Benjamin Wrend, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated community member, passed away on December 9, 2024, at Berkshire Medical Center following a fall in his home. He was 91 years old.

Born on September 15, 1933, in Madison, Wisconsin, Benjamin was the son of the late Ben and Bernadette (Plante) Wrend. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1951, and shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He trained as an Airman at the Great Lakes Center in Illinois and served at Westover Air Force Base, Chicopee, as part of the VR6 Military Transport Squadron, where he proudly served until his honorable discharge.

In 1955, Ben married Joyce (Supernant) Wrend at St. Francis Church in North Adams, and they shared nearly 70 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children: MSgt. John Wrend (Ret.) and wife Connie, of Shaftsbury, VT; Marcy Roy and husband Chris, of Danvers, MA; and their late daughter Alison Marie, who tragically passed away at the age of 18. Ben’s greatest joy was his granddaughter, Avery Alison, and he was also the proud grandfather of two grandsons, Michael of Midlothian, VA, and Benjamin of Shaftsbury, VT, and two great-grandchildren, Kylee and Nicholas.

Ben worked for New England Power Company, starting as an operator at the hydro plant in Bellows Falls, Vermont. He was later transferred to Shelburne Falls, MA, and then to North Adams, which eventually became Massachusetts Electric. There, he began as a lineman first class, eventually advancing to Crew Leader. Later, he was transferred to Great Barrington as a Line Foreman. After 40 years of dedicated service, Ben retired in March 1998. Throughout his career, he was also a respected leader in the IBEW union in North Adams, where he worked tirelessly to support and advocate for his fellow employees.

Outside of work, Ben was a man of many interests. He ran a successful catering business specializing in clambakes, weddings, and parties, all while maintaining his full-time job. He had a love for bowling, golf, and card games. He bowled first at Valley Park and later at Greylock Bowl and enjoyed golfing at North Adams Country Club and Waubeeka. After rounds of golf, he would cook meals for fellow golfers at the Greylock Community Club, where he was a lifetime member. Ben was also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) and loved playing cards, whether it was poker, euchre, pitch, bridge, or pinochle.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Ben is survived by his sister-in-law, Donna Dobbert, and her children, Robert and Christine Dobbert. He was predeceased by his siblings, LaRhee Esse, and brothers George and John Wrend.

A service for Ben will be held on Tuesday, December 17 at 11:00 AM at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Immediately following the burial, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Freight Yard Pub 1 Furnace St, North Adams. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Al Nelson Friendship Center or Berkshire Food Project in North Adams. https://berkshirefoodproject.org/

https://www.friendshipfoodpantry.org/