Mr. Crefils Benoit, 71, of Port Charlotte, Florida, formerly of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Peace River Regional Medical Center in Port Charlotte.

Born October 24, 1939 in Haiti, Crefils and his wife, Justine, have lived in Port Charlotte for the past two years. Before retiring to Florida, he lived in Stamford, CT where he worked as an accountant for Pitney Bowes for 33 years. He was very active in the Haitian Community in Stamford, helping many families adjust to life in the United States — whether filing annual taxes, offering translation services, filling out paperwork and being available as a resource in a new country.

He is survived by his wife Justine; six children, Eden Benoit, Ingrid Louis, Carol Maignan, Anne Marie Benoit, Tania Delbrune and Michele Benoit; seventeen grandchildren, Kevin Lesperance, Nadia Benoit, Daphne Louis, Brandon Benoit, Erica Delaneau, Bradley Delaneau, Rebecca Benoit, Cynthia Delaneau, Daniel Louis, Joshua Maignan, Kenny Louis, Shawn Maignan, Jean Marc Benoit, Alexa Benoit, Mathew Maignan, Sachel Rogers and Ava Rogers; four great grandchildren, Jaylen Lesperance, Juviana Rene, Trinity Rene, Phoenix Williams; one brother, Macius (wife Aimee) Benoit, one sister, Sidonia Plantin, and numerous extended family members.