Edward E. Benner 3rd, of New Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard, died on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. He was 56.

Ed was born on Feb. 28, 1952 in Damariscotta, Maine, the second of 15 children born to Edward E. Benner Jr. and Alphra Morton Benner.

Ed earned a degree in English literature from Quinnipiac College. He worked on Martha’s Vineyard as a truck driver for Packer Oil Company and for B.F.I.

He was an exceptional woodcarver and father. Edward spent his last summer rebuilding a skiff with his son from the remains of a derelict boat. Ed devoted his life to his children and put them above all else.

He is survived by his wife, Leslie Oldani Benner, and his children, Daniel Edward Benner and Katherine Susanne Benner. He is also survived by his stepmother, Lois Benner of Bristol, Maine, and his sisters, Clarion Sullivan and her husband Kenneth (Sully) of Oak Bluffs, Kathy Berninger and her husband Thomas of Vineyard Haven and Nellie Benner of Damariscotta, Maine; four brothers, Henry Benner of Northport, Maine, Gerald Benner of Plantsville, Conn., Richard Salerno of New Harbor, Maine, and Carmen Salerno of Ohio; his half-brothers, Lester Benner, Virgil Benner and Tommy Benner, all of Maine, and his brother in law, Mark Azukas.

He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Georgia Azukas, Clifford Benner, Shirley Benner and Danny Benner.

His memorial service will be held on Friday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs, officiated by Rev. Alden Besse. The family will be receiving family and friends from 4 p.m. until the service.

Donations may be made in his memory to his children’s educational fund to Leslie Benner, 334 Austin street, New Bedford, MA 02740.