DeForest Howell Benjamin Sr., age 83, died December 24, 2013 in Spring Hill, Florida. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Forrest and OliveAtwater Clinton Benjamin, DeForest was a former longtime resident of Milford and Cornwall, CT. Mr. Benjamin was a lifelong farmer and also worked as a successful builder and developer in Milford for many years. He had a love for gardening, square dancing, camping, hunting and fishing. Ben was a member of Ansantawae Masonic Lodge No. 89 A.F. & A.M. of Milford, Montgomery Lodge No. 13 of Lakeville, CT., Past Master of Blazing Star No.74 of Cornwall in 1983 and Associate Grand Marshall for The Grand Lodge State of Connecticut. He is survived by his loving companion Alice Ceranowicz of FL., a son DeForest Howell Benjamin Jr. and his wife Isabelle of Cornwall, a daughter Phyllis Dawson of Sarasota, FL., two grandchildren and extended family. A wake will be held Friday January 10th 2014 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Smith & Sefcik Funeral Home, 135 N. Broad St. , Milford . Ansantawae Lodge will conduct a Masonic Service at 6:30pm. Burial and graveside prayer service will be held Saturday January 11th at 10:30am, directly in Milford Cemetery.