MARYLAND - William (Bill) S. Benedict, 90, of Maryland, NY, passed away on July 7, 2026. He was born May 5, 1936, in Webster, NY, the son of Sumner and Ruth (Miller) Benedict.

Bill graduated from Wayland High School in 1955. He earned a B.S. in Education from SUNY Geneseo in 1959, followed by an M.S. in Speech Pathology from Syracuse University, and a Doctorate from SUNY Buffalo.

A lifelong learner, Bill enjoyed a distinguished career as an associate professor at SUNY Oneonta for over 40 years. He was also a Speech-Language Pathologist dedicating his life to helping others in the community.

On May 27, 1961, he married his wife, Arleen Coager. The two met during college and got to know each other on a trip to the University of Pennsylvania for a Model UN Debate Assembly representing Yugoslavia.

Bill was an avid fan of SUNY Oneonta Men's and Women's Soccer teams. He was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Society, serving on the finance committee, and was a dedicated collector of stamps and clocks.

He is survived by his wife, Arleen; his son, William; daughter-in-law, Lisa; and his sister, Ruth. 

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Jane.

A celebration of life will be held 2:00 p.m. August 1, 2026 at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 12 Ford Ave., Oneonta. 

A private interment was held at Locust Hill Cemetery in Hobart.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta (www.lhpfuneralhome.com).