John Patrick “Butch” Benware

John Patrick “Butch” Benware, 70, of Tupper Lake, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025 in Elizabethtown Community Hospital ,surrounded by his loving family. There will be no services, as per his wishes. Arrangements are entrusted to the Frary Funeral Home.

John was born on June 18, 1954, in Tupper Lake, to Louis and Ruth Benware.

He graduated from local schools and went on to work as a mechanic for various companies, including Tom’s Auto, Counter’s Garage, and OWD.

John married Darlene Baker, and together they had three children, with the marriage later ending in divorce. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time at his camp, snowmobiling, and listening to his beloved old country music, but above all, he most enjoyed spending time with his family and those he loved.

He is survived by his children, Shawn Benware of Plattsburgh, Corrennia Papineau of Tupper Lake, and Stacy Papineau of Plattsburgh; his sisters, Lois Sullivan (Skip) of Harrisville, N.Y., Brenda Arthur (Kenny) of Kansas City, KS, Jean (Walt) Kennedy of Tupper Lake and Judy LaPlant of Tupper Lake; his father, Louis Benware of Tupper Lake; his grandchildren, Heath Benware, Ashlynn Benware, Levi Benware, Chelsea Schaffer (John), Joelle Bedore, and Kylie McFadden; his great-grandchildren, Lance Schaffer, Abel Schaffer, and Winnie Schaffer; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his mother, Ruth Benware; his sister, Gail Benware; and his brother-in-law, Reginald LaPlant.


Donations may be made in John’s memory to Tupper Lake Volunteer Ambulance and Emergency Squad at 169 Main St, Tupper Lake, NY 12986, and the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fraryfuneralhome.com/obituaries.