Robert S. Benard, 91, died on March 1, 2026.
He was born in Melrose, the son of the late Frank F. and Rose E. (White) Benard. Raised and educated in the Melrose School System, Mr. Benard graduated from Melrose High School, where he developed both his work ethic and his lifelong love of football.
Mechanically gifted from a young age, Mr. Benard began working alongside his older brothers on cars and stockcars, eventually working at a nearby filling station throughout high school. That early hands-on experience sparked a passion that would shape the rest of his life. It led him to a position at a heavy equipment dealer, then joining with a small, struggling company with a contract to become an owner.
This was the birth of C.N. Wood Co. Inc. Within just two years, Mr. Benard and his partner, Paul McCarthy, were able to purchase the business. Over the next six decades, it has transformed into one of the most respected construction equipment dealers in the region. Under his leadership, the company grew to nine locations across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and Maine, employing nearly 200 people. Mr. Benard spent 58 years guiding the company, assisting contractors and municipal clients with sage advice, dependable equipment and unwavering support.
Known for leading with his heart as much as his business sense, he built lasting partnerships and friendships that spanned generations. A true definition of a hard worker, Mr. Benard was often found at the yard on Saturdays, and sometimes Sundays, making sure every machine leaving the lot was ready to perform. Beyond his business success, Mr. Benard believed deeply in giving back. He supported trade organizations through scholarships and educational opportunities, quietly helped local charities and was known to many families in the Woburn and Burlington communities as a generous and anonymous “Secret Santa.”
His legacy of service, humility and generosity continues to inspire all who knew him, said his family. He was a founding member of NBM highway association, a member of Massachusetts Highway Association, UCANE, APWA-NE and many other industry associations. Mr. Benard was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts and member of the Wyoming Lodge of freemasons in Melrose.
Despite his remarkable professional life, Mr. Benard’s greatest pride was always his family. He shared a devoted and loving marriage with the love of his life, Paula (Toomey) Benard. The two met in high school and quickly became inseparable, the family said. Together, they built a life rooted in love, hard work and shared purpose, raising their children with steady guidance and devotion. Mr. Benard often credited his wife, Paula, as his strength and partner in every success and together, they ensured their family always had what they needed and felt the security of their unwavering support.
He enjoyed watersports, skiing, snowmobiles and relaxing on numerous boats, and a wonderful compound of homes. When not working, Mr. Benard was happiest with a project in front of him — building a go-cart, repairing bicycles and mini-bikes, golfcarts, building beaches and clearing the ice for winter skating. Even later in life, he would climb into his mini-excavator to transform the landscape at his Alton, N.H., property, to an artfully created natural environment. He also enjoyed watching football, a passion dating back to his playing days at Melrose High, and he took delight in analyzing coaching strategy and play-calling rather than just the action on the field.
Mr. Benard was predeceased by his brothers, Ernest S. Benard and Edward H. Benard; and a brother-in-law, Levon Maserian. He is survived by his wife, Paula (Toomey) Benard of Burlington; Debra Del Dotto and her husband, Ronald of Burlington, Paula Benard of Burlington and Cheryl MacIver and her husband, Dana of Burlington and Alton, N.H.; a sister, June Maserian of Haverhill; grandchildren, Paula Merva and her husband, Martin, Kelly Piper, Eric MacIver and his wife, Lauren, and Kristen MacIver and her fiancé, Shawn Power; three great-grandchildren, Piper Rose Merva, Alton Robert Merva and Hudson Arthur Merva.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to People Helping People Burlington, P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803 or at peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org Condolences to his family may be made at
