Discovery Bay resident Tom Benoit passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011 at home after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 66.

Tom was born in Concordia, Kan. to parents Adalore and Evelyn Benoit. The family moved to Concord, Calif. in 1957. Tom graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in 1962. He met his future wife, Diane Coe, in 1964 and they were married May 28, 1965 in Antioch. Their son, Aaron, was born in 1966.

Tom was an avid drag racer and enjoyed many years of racing with Aaron. Many long and endearing friendships were made at the racetrack.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Diane; devoted son, Aaron; and wonderful mother, Evelyn, all of Discovery Bay. He also leaves his sisters, Jerry Herrera of Pittsburg, Erma Belcher of Discovery Bay, Anna Mitchell of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, and Cheryl Bella of Roseville. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Friends and family are invited to his memorial service Saturday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. at the Brentwood Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest by his family on Friday, Sept. 30 at Union Cemetery in Brentwood.