Reunited in heaven on January 22, at 89 years of age, with his beloved wife of 62 years, Eileen E. Beneteau (nee Curtis), and his parents Harvey and Lorette Beneteau. Loving father of Deborah Hewitt (George), David (Paula), Chris (Shelly), Michael (Sandy), Donna, and Rosanne (Dale). Proud Pépé of Devon (Paul), Ryan (Nicole), Cole (Justine), Darryl (Eva), Steven, Christine, late Kevin, Josh (Deven), Alicia, Sarah, Olivia, Natalie, Patrick, Heather, Cameron, and Erin. Proud Grand Pépé of Lena, Mae, Elise, and Felix. Dear brother of late Martin Beneteau (Freda), Marguerite Mailloux (late Roland), Jeannette Bezaire (Eugene), Clayton Beneteau (late Marian), Harvey Beneteau, late Angela Marontate (late Gerald), late Mae Houle (Rosaire), and Romeo Beneteau. Brother-in-law of Edward Curtis (Joan), late Jim Curtis (Barb), Jo-Anne Tough (Dean) and John Curtis (Shirley).
Don was born on October 16, 1932 and grew up on a small family farm outside of Windsor, Ontario. He pursued a Tool & Die Making diploma from SKD Manufacturing in Amherstburg during the day and a diploma in Electronics and Television Engineering from the Electronics Institute in Detroit in the evening. Shortly after earning both diplomas, the need to earn a living provided the motivation for Don and two partners to join forces under the name CenterLine Tool & Mould just before Christmas in 1955. Their success led to the incorporation of CenterLine (Windsor) Limited just over one year later, on January 28, 1957.
Don worked tirelessly to dream-up innovations that would ensure CenterLine’s customers had a competitive advantage. He knew that successful customers could pay their bills and would provide future opportunities. His efforts provided the foundation for many globally recognized companies, while providing livelihoods, opportunities, and careers for thousands within the Windsor community and beyond. His values and the culture he fostered remain the cornerstone upon which CenterLine continues to prosper as a multinational manufacturer of automotive welding machinery and automation. Don was especially proud that generations of employee families and some of his grandchildren are active in the business. He was comforted with the knowledge his six children are responsible stewards of the company that he founded.
Don was a generous supporter of many projects in the local community and an active participant and ardent supporter of local and international professional organizations and activities. While his contributions were generally given anonymously, he was the appreciative beneficiary of several awards and citations. More than anything, he treasured the comradery and friendships these activities afforded him.
Special thank you to the staff of Amy’s Helping Hands for their exceptional care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Hospice of Windsor and Es County, St. John the Baptist Church, or the Canadian Transportation Museum would be appreciated by the family.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Families First Funeral Home (519-969-5841). For everyone’s health and safety, the private funeral mass will be livestreamed on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. A link will be available here on Wednesday.
A public memorial service will be held at CenterLine when conditions are more favourable. Details to follow.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald J Beneteau 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Amherstburg, Province: Ontario
My sincere condolences to the family of this great human being, exceptional father, grandfather, entrepreneur, innovator, and good friend. We will all miss you deeply
My sincere condolences to the family of your loss of a great man, he will be missed,
Our deepest condolences to the family of the loss of a great man. He will be truly missed.