By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven saw the passing of two well-known officials this week.
Al Benac addresses town meeting in Fairhaven on Saturday, 5/6/17. Photo by Beth David.
Al Benac, the town curator, outspoken Town Meeting member, and former member of a variety of committees died at St. Luke’s Hospital on February 1.
As town curator, Mr. Benac was responsible for taking care of countless articles owned by the town, including paintings, photographs and furniture. In many cases, Mr. Benac used his own money to acquire artifacts and donated them to the town.
He oversaw the acquisition and careful restoration, or reframing of a number of old paintings from famous town residents, such as Elizabeth Delano, Lemuel Eldrid, and Charles Henry Gifford.
He was recently honored by the Selectboard for his contributions to the town and was named Fairhaven Man of the Year by the Standard-Times.
Mr. Benac is remembered as being passionate about all things Fairhaven, but especially its history. He always advocated for saving and preserving what he called the town’s treasures.
Arrangements are by the Fairhaven Funeral Home on Main Street.
Earl Faunce addresses Fairhaven Town Meeting on 12/9/14. Beth David photo.
Mr. Faunce was a Fairhaven Fire lieutenant, and served in the department for 38 years.
A well known figure in town, Mr. Faunce was a long time and outspoken Town Meeting member, a member of the Retirement Board, and a member of many civic associations.
Mr. Faunce is remembered as a “Mr. Fix It,” who loved teaching “anything firefighting,” and telling stories.
Most of all, he cherished time with his family.
Arrangements are by the Fairhaven Funeral Home on Main Street.
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