This information was sent to me by Gary's sister Donna.  I will add an online obituary if there is one published. 

"Deceased Classmate: Gary Benedict
Date Of Birth: 07-10-1949
Date Deceased: 10-09-2021
Age at Death: 72
Cause of Death: End stage heart disease
Classmate City: Palm Springs
Classmate State: CA
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: Sister, Donna Moskwa Pandy, Brothers Richard Benedict and Gerald Moskwa and Sister-in-law, Sandra Moskwa. Nieces, Aimee Pandy and Dawn Marogen.

Gary lived a fast paced and colorful life. Moving to CA to become an actor, post graduation; Gary held various part time jobs while attending Los Angeles City College. Most of these gigs were bartending in the Hollywood/Beverly Hills area where he rubbed elbows with a host of celebrities. He eventually met his beloved Lucille Ball whom he had idolized from (about) the age of 8, and attended a comedy workshop she taught. He became acquainted with and befriended Debbie Reynolds and her family early on; rarely missing an opportunity to attend her performance engagements and being a fixture backstage and in her home. Gary lived in New Orleans for a stretch, but always felt CA was home. Gary worked for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office before finding his niche in Restaurant Management and Ownership. He opened his own fine italian cuisine in Studio City, CA. and began buying real estate; a couple condos in Hollywood, a home in No. Hollywood along with the brick beauty in the Big Easy. Gary had tons of friends and was always on the go, never marrying or having children but sharing his passion for animals, dogs in particular, and volunteering 19+ years for Project Angel Food, providing meals to shut in AIDS patients. He finally settled into his favorite condominium in Palm Springs, selling off two others and a mobile home, to make it his forever home in August 2019. Gary will always be remembered and loved for his charm, his unusual humor, his confidence, perseverance and his ability to always come out on top. Gary, we know you are up there in heaven giving God a run for his money..."