Anthony J Benedetto

Charlton, MA — Anthony J. “Tony” Benedetto, 92, passed away on October 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Tony was born in Hartford, Connecticut, to the late Joseph and Antoinette (Lattarulo) Benedetto. He grew up in a close-knit Italian-American family where family, hard work, faith, food and tradition were woven together from an early age. His family's roots included his father's butcher shop and market, and making sausage remained a family tradition Tony carried with him throughout his life.

Tony graduated from Weaver High School in Hartford and became the first in his family to pursue an education beyond high school. He later honorably served his country in the United States Army.

He began his professional career as a draftsman, developing a strong technical foundation before discovering that one of his greatest talents was working with people. Combining his technical knowledge with a natural ability to connect with just about anyone, Tony moved into industrial sales and became a highly successful sales representative. His career took him throughout the Northeast and allowed him to build relationships with customers and colleagues across the country.

That ability to connect with people extended well beyond his professional life. Tony was naturally outgoing, quick with a laugh and always ready with a quip. He had a remarkable ability to talk with anyone and make people feel comfortable. Those closest to him rarely saw him angry. Even life's ups and downs seldom remained anything more than temporary frustrations, and his humor and good nature were qualities that stayed with him throughout his life.

Tony and his wife, Teresa “Terry” (Perrone) Benedetto, began raising their young family in East Hartford before moving to Westborough, Massachusetts, in the 1970s. Together they built a home centered around their children, extended family, faith and community.

Family responsibility was something Tony and Terry took seriously. After Tony's father passed away and his mother became ill, they welcomed her into their home, where Terry became her primary caregiver. It was one of many ways throughout their lives that they quietly demonstrated their belief that family takes care of family.

In Westborough, Tony became an active member of St. Luke's Parish and the Knights of Columbus. He coached Little League, participated in Boy Scout activities and Pinewood Derby races, and even played Santa Claus during neighborhood Christmas caroling. He enjoyed being involved, particularly when it meant bringing people together or doing something for children and families.

Some of Tony's happiest times revolved around family traditions. He proudly made sausage with his brothers, Ray and Bill, continuing a tradition that stretched back to their father's market. It’s no surprise that Tony and his brothers expanded the tradition to include their sons. He also hosted an annual Fourth of July barbecue at the lake house that became a much-loved gathering spot for family and friends.

Tony had no shortage of interests. He loved fishing, boating, shooting pool, golf and antique cars. He shared his enthusiasm for old cars with his daughter, Carol, and over the years more than a few classic Mustangs found their way into the family driveway. His love of cars was also part of a particularly close relationship with his cousin Sonny, with whom he shared countless hours fishing, boating, working on old pickup trucks and enjoying life at the lake.

Tony maintained a lifelong fascination with aviation, an interest he passed along to his oldest son, Mike. Together they traveled to air shows and aviation museums, including the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson. His love of boating became a special connection with his youngest son, Dave, while many enjoyable rounds of golf were shared with his son-in-law, Howard.

He was also an accomplished pool player, having learned the game while serving in the Army. What began as a pastime remained with him throughout his life, from the family pool table at home to his later years at Overlook, where he became a formidable player among his friends.

Tony loved being part of the Hamilton Reservoir community in Holland, Massachusetts, and eventually made Holland his full-time home. There he became a member of St. Anne's Parish in Fiskdale and later St. Christopher's Parish in Brimfield.

After the loss of Terry following 47 years of marriage, Tony was fortunate to find an unexpected and wonderful second chapter in life with Jane (Mazza) Benedetto. Remarkably, Tony and Jane had first known one another as students at Weaver High School decades earlier. More than half a century later, their paths crossed again.

Tony and Jane shared more than 20 years together, building a life filled with companionship, family and love. Tony embraced all of Jane’s children, expanding his influence and enjoying traveling and vacationing in North Carolina. Tony and Jane’s relationship was a reminder that life can offer new beginnings even after profound loss, and Tony's devotion to Jane remained steadfast throughout their years together.

Across his 92 years, Tony knew the great happiness of a large and growing family, but he also endured profound loss. Among the most difficult was the loss of his granddaughter, Miranda Boyd, at just four years old. He experienced the loss of Terry after 47 years together and, many years later, the loss of Jane. Through these chapters of his life, Tony demonstrated a quiet resilience—the ability to accept what he could not change without allowing life's hardships to diminish his humor, his love of people or his desire to make things better whenever he could.

More than anything, Tony expressed his love through his actions. Whether helping his children, caring for family, coaching a team, sharing a hobby, solving a problem, making someone laugh or simply showing up when someone needed him, he had a way of letting the people in his life know they mattered.

Tony was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Teresa (Perrone) Benedetto; his wife of more than 20 years, Jane (Mazza) Benedetto; his brother, Raymond Benedetto; and his granddaughter, Miranda Boyd.

He is survived by his children, Michael Benedetto of Florida; Carol (Benedetto) Boyd and her husband, Howard, of Connecticut; and David Benedetto of New York; his stepchildren, Thomas Ratcliffe III of New York, Garret Ratcliffe and his wife, Judy, of Florida, Keven Ratcliffe and his wife, Faith, of Connecticut, and Laura Jennison and her fiancé, Ray Bonner, of Massachusetts; and his brother, William Benedetto and his wife, Joan, of Connecticut.

He also leaves nine grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, a step-great-granddaughter, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

Tony will be remembered for his devotion to family, his quick wit, his ability to find common ground with almost anyone, and the countless ways—large and small—that he showed his love for the people around him.

Funeral arrangements have ben entrusted to Lombard Funeral Home of Monson. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am in St Christopher's Church in Brimfield Thursday, November 5, 2026. Family and friends are welcome to begin to gather at 10:15 at the church. A reception will immediately follow the Funeral Mass in the Parish Center.

Family and friends are invited to gather at 9am at Lombard Funeral Home Friday, November 6, 2026 for a time of Prayer and form the Funeral procession to Massachusetts's Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam for an 11am service with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Anthony's name may be made by mail  to: Holland Senior Center, 27 Sturbridge Road, Holland MA 01521, or, the Make a Wish Foundation of Connecticut 56 Commerce Drive, Trumbull, CT 06611 in memory of Miranda Boyd.