Vernon- Benjamin Joseph "Benny"Andrews, 89, formerly of Melrose Terrace, died Friday night, December 9, 2011 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Mr. Andrews was born in Vineyard Haven, Mass on September 17, 1922 the son of Antone and Maria (DaLuz Medeiros) Andrews. He attended schools in Tisbury and New Bedford, Mass, Madeira Island, Portugal and Angel Guardian High School in Jamaica Plain, Mass graduating with the Class of 1942, Valedictorian of his class. Inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942 he proudly served with Company B 318Th Signal Service Battalion on Okinawa in 1945. Mr. Andrews worked in various hotels, resorts and restaurants from Maine to Florida finishing with nine years at Howard Johnson's Restaurant in Brattleboro. He spent 19 years with Case Brothers and Boise Cascade in papermaking. He retired in 1984. He was a member of the V.F.W. Carl M. Dessaint Post #1034, and the Moose Lodge #1782 in Naples, Florida. Mr. Andrews will be remembered for his whit and common sense approach in dealing with life's issues. He was a steadfast believer in strong a work ethic. He enjoyed music, cards, golfing and bowling and was active for many years with the Greater Brattleboro Bowling League Program. On June 10, 1975 in Brattleboro he was married to Maxine L. Putnam who predeceased him on March 17, 1996. Survivors include one brother, Edward J. Andrews of Norwood, Mass, four step-children, Gary R. Sanderson, Brian A. Sanderson, Sharon L. Williams and Sheila M. Crowley. Additionally he leaves many step-grandchildren, step great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Lucy Dowd and a brother Joseph Andrews. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Michael's Catholic Church. Committal Rites and burial with full military honors will follow in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his wife. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of the V.F.W Carl M. Dessaint Post #1034, 40 Black Mountain Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301.