OWLS HEAD — Ernest A. Benner, Jr., 94, died peacefully on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at the Cushing Homestead following a period of declining health.

Born December 22, 1931, in Rockland, he was one of eight children born to Ernest A. Benner, Sr. and Madeline Vannah Benner. Raised and educated in Rockland, Ernie graduated from Rockland High School in 1951. On May 4, 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary E. Cates, before leaving to serve in the Korean War. They shared 73 years of marriage together.

A proud veteran of the Korean War, Ernie was a member of the Rockland Elks Club and The American Legion. He spent 39 years with Central Maine Power Company, working his way from lineman to district line foreman, and accumulated many great stories along the way.

Together, Mary and Ernest built lovely family homes and cottages. As long-time members of the Rockland Golf Course, they created countless happy memories there with friends and family.

He will be greatly missed as the patriarch of the family.

Ernest was predeceased by his infant son John; his parents; his siblings, Theodore Benner, Kelsey Benner, Leroy Benner, Dorothy Zlock, Barbara Smith, Betty Martin and Robert Benner.

He survived by his loving wife, Mary; daughters, Cathy Fifield (Richard), Nancy Benner (Tom Cantlin); grandchildren, Josh Fifield (Katie Banks), Kate Campbell (Chris), Rachel Doe (Oliver Bradeen); great-grandchildren, Ella Campbell, Knox Campbell, Daxon Campbell, Charlotte Fifield, Addison Paul, Finneas and Maximus Bradeen; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Burpee Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland Maine. Interment will be announced in the Spring.

To share a memory or condolence with the Benner family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.