Dave Bienstock of Killington VT passed away from interstitial lung disease, peacefully on June 25, 2024, with his wife, Diane Benton, by his side.
Bienstock, originally a music teacher from Brooklyn, New York, worked for many years at Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, New York. He was passionate about skiing and would travel to Killington to ski every weekend during the winter months.
In 1978, he purchased a home in Stockbridge. In the summer months he would live in Stockbridge where he would pursue his other passions, which included biking, hiking and tennis. His ultimate passion was jazz guitar. He studied jazz devotedly and loved to share his knowledge with other musicians eager to learn.
Bienstock had a strong desire to move to Vermont full time and along with his lifelong friend, Ken Jarecki. He used his creative talents to make a dream come true. In 1987 Bienstock and Jarecki built and opened Powderhounds Restaurant in Killington [where The Garlic now occupies). Powderhounds was an immediate success and soon became a locals’ favorite. It was here at Powderhounds that he met Diane, and in the years to come, their loving relationship got stronger and stronger. In 1992, Bienstock and Jarecki started the Vermont Fresh Pasta company. After the sale of Powderhounds in 1997, the duo devoted all their energies to growing Vermont Fresh. Eventually Bienstock’s illness forced him to leave the business. Ken and Tricia Jarecki continued on and successfully operated Vermont Fresh Pasta for 30 years.
Sadly, over time, Bienstock’s illness precluded him from doing the things he loved, one by one. Despite this, he continued to fight with an amazingly positive attitude until the end. He leaves behind his loving wife Diane in Killington, his sister Arlene and two nieces Torrie and Hana in California, and his cousin Marty in Florida.
Many will miss seeing him on the hill, the trails, and happily playing his guitar.
