Christopher Benoit

Christopher James Benoit, age 51, died peacefully in Erie on November 18, 2018. Chris was born February 11, 1967 in Erie the son of Lois Daly Benoit and the late Victor H. Benoit, Jr.  He graduated from Cathedral Prep and the University of Pittsburgh, with a BS degree in business. He was a talented musician who had a lifelong love of music and became an accomplished piano player.

Erieites might remember the local band Eastern Smyle. Chris was a co-founder and played lead piano as well as sang back up vocals. Eastern Smyle played in venues all around the city for many years and released a CD. In addition, he was an accomplished songwriter who contributed to many of the bands lyrics and wrote some solo songs as well.

Later in his life, he often played his large repertoire of music for audiences at local Senior Living facilities, as a way of giving back.

Chris had a successful career working in both inside and outside sales in the manufacturing industry, winning multiple awards for sales excellence.

Chris was a gentle soul and loved socializing and immersing himself in intellectual dialogue and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his mother, Lois Benoit of Erie, his eldest brother Victor Benoit and wife Maria, a niece Taylor, a nephew Ryan, all of Darien, CT, and his brother Brian Benoit of East Hampton, NY.

A Celebration of Chris’s life will be held from 2-4 pm, on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Quinn Funeral Home, 728 W 9th St, Erie, PA 16502.

Memorial contributions in memory of Chris can be made to Music for Veterans, 2501 W 12^th, Suite 290, Erie, PA 16505. 814-873-4500

music4veterans.org