Bennett Curtis Gove

Bennett Curtis Gove, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at his daughter's home in Mansfield, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Westwood, Massachusetts on August 3, 1932, he was the son of the late Clifford and Sylvia May (Chamberlain) Gove.  Ben spent his early years in Westwood, however, after losing his parents at a young age, he and his brother were taken in by their grandparents, splitting their time between Westwood and Norwood.  Following his graduation from Norwood High School in 1951, Ben enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Korean War.  He was stationed stateside throughout the war and following his honorable discharge, Ben returned home to Massachusetts. 

Upon his return home, Ben married the love of his life, Shirley Morse, in 1953.  The couple went on to make their home on Elm Street in Walpole, where they raised two children, Linda and Cindy.  Ben's career in the automotive industry began at J.E. Leard Company on Main Street in Walpole.  As a qualified service technician, Ben learned about the ins and outs of countless vehicles over the course of his employment, earning many certificates through the General Motors Training Center.  Realizing he wanted more out of his career, Ben enrolled in the University of Massachusetts, earning his certificate in Governmental Services.  With his certificate in hand, Ben applied to the vehicle maintenance department of the Town of Walpole's Public Works and was granted the position in 1966.  Ben's work ethic and knowledge was quickly noticed by his superiors, who named him Vehicle Maintenance Superintendent for the Town of Walpole, allowing him to oversee the other mechanics at the town yard. 

With his career on track, Ben and Shirley realized their dream of owning a vacation home in Temple, New Hampshire.  In 1988, the couple began spending their weekends at their home in Temple, taking in the beauty of the nature that surrounded them.  Following Ben's retirement in 1994, the couple sold their home in Walpole, making New Hampshire their permanent home.  The New Hampshire lifestyle fit Ben well, as an avid outdoorsman, he could be found with his friends in the woods hunting or sitting on the shores of a local lake casting a line into the water.  Ben always welcomed his family and friends to his home, teaching them about the beauty of the outdoors and wildlife, whether sitting around a campfire, ice fishing, skating or kayaking on his private pond.  Ben and Shirley enjoyed spending many summer vacations in Maine, Nantucket or just being at their beautiful property in Temple with their family.

Most of all, Ben was a devoted family man.  He shared seventy beautiful years of marriage with his wife, Shirley, they were truly made for each other.  As a loving Dad, Ben loved being surrounded by his two daughters and was delighted to welcome his two granddaughters and four great grandchildren.  His circle extended well beyond his family, as he was the best friend anyone could ask for and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Beloved husband of Shirley M. (Morse) Gove.

Loving father of Cynthia G. "Cindy" Cerqua and her partner, Joseph Stock, of Mansfield, Massachusetts, and the late Linda E. Gove and her surviving husband, Robert Dallas, of Peterborough, New Hampshire.

Cherished grandfather of Stephanie M. Boucher and her husband, Jason, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, and Andrea S. Crivellaro and her husband, Jim, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; he was a doting great grandfather or “Bee” as he was called to his only great grandson, Conner and great granddaughters, Natalie, Josephine, and Giada.

Devoted brother of the late Albert Gove and his surviving wife, Mary, of Nashua, New Hampshire and loving uncle of Carol Gove of New Mexico.

At the request of Ben's family, all immediate funeral services will take place privately.  A Celebration of Life will be held in Temple, New Hampshire in the Spring of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ben's name may be made to NH Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301 or by visiting https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/shop-and-support/donate-new-hampshire-fish-and-game

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.