Benedict I. "Dickie" Aud, 90 of Leonardtown, MD died July 29, 2013 in Leonardtown, MD.

Born September 24, 1922 in Valley Lee, MD, he was the son of the late Michael I. Aud and Agatha Aleene Matthews.

Dickie is a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County. He was a member of the Second District Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors and helped to establish and build the Second District Volunteer Fire Department in Valley Lee, MD. He proudly served in the United States Navy from November 11, 1942 until his honorable discharge on April 29, 1952. After his military service had ended he turned his passion for carpentry into a career, establishing his own construction company. He took great pride in the houses he built, including his own lifelong home. In his free time he built many beautiful doll houses for his daughters and granddaughters. In addition to carpentry, his pastimes included traveling with his wife, crabbing, and playing cards.

The two things he loved most in the world were a full belly and giving to his family (which is why he loved the holidays.) Regardless of the occasion, however, he loved spending time with his daughters and grandchildren — whether it was a dinner, a trip to the ice cream parlor, or watching TV. After the death of his wife in 2000, Dickie spent more time with his siblings Betty Anne and Reggie, making a hobby out of trying every seafood restaurant in the Tri-County area. Occasionally, rather than going out, Dickie would go to Betty's home to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Betty Anne and Dickie shared a love of sports; if there was a late game on, he would stay over. He enjoyed many years like this, loved and supported by his family.

Dickie moved to Cedar Lane Independent Living Facility in 2008. He was able to enjoy playing cards again with his new friends. Due to decline in his health he moved into Assisted Living at Cedar lane and was given wonderful care by Support Services staff and Kathy Hayden DN from Oct. 2010 to May 2013.

In March of 2013 Dickie asked to come home. He moved into his youngest daughter Susan's, home and was cared for by the "Angels" from Always There Companion Care: Donna Terry, Damita Butler, Vantaya Briscoe, Vickie McCarson, Shawn Curtis and Dawn Harris. These caregivers adopted Dickie and his family as one of their own. They gave the best care they could to him every day while helping his family with everyday tasks: they would cook dinner, care for the pets, and even offer a shoulder to cry on. They made the last chapter of his life a beautiful one to be remembered.

In his final days he was watched over by the caring, supportive staff from Hospice of St Mary's. Dr. Schmidt, Jamie Eckman, and Cindy Wolfe made his final days peaceful before joining his beloved wife Anna Mae.

Dickie is survived by his daughters, Diane Aud Carroll (Ed) of Lexington Park, MD and Susan Mattingly (Gary) of Leonardtown, MD; his grandchildren, Ryan Carroll, Amy Carroll, Katelyn Mattingly; and his siblings, Regina Brookbank of Glen Burnie, MD, and Betty Ann Norris of Leonardtown, MD. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae Aud; his sister, Christine Stone, St Inigoes, MD, Hazel Turner of Westminister, MD Reggie Aud of Leonardtown, MD and his brother, Donald Aud.

Family will receive friends for Dickie's Life Celebration on Monday, August 5, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m., with prayers recited at 7 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Calis on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Face Catholic Church, 20408 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills, MD. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Senator Roy Dyson, J.C. Dyson, Johnny Adams, Michael Adams, Ed Carroll, Jack Cullison, and Barry Norris.

Memorial contributions may be made to Second District Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692; Second District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692; and Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.