The town of Norwood is in mourning following the death of Deputy Fire Chief Michael G. Benedetti, who passed away yesterday at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston at the age of 52 after a courageous battle with a long illness.
A lifelong Norwood native residing at 205 Hill St., Deputy Benedetti dedicated 24 years of his life to the local fire service, rising steadily through the ranks from firefighter to become the department’s number-two ranking officer.
Appointed to the department on May 2, 1954, Benedetti served as an acting lieutenant before earning a permanent promotion on August 2, 1970. In 1976, he was selected as deputy chief by then-incoming Chief John L. Coughlin, succeeding Coughlin in the post. “It was my honor to appoint him as deputy chief,” retired Chief Coughlin reflected. “He was an outstanding firefighter. The town’s going to miss a good, dedicated servant.” Throughout his career, Benedetti earned multiple citations for heroism and was remembered by colleagues as a fearless, strong, and exemplary leader. “He wasn’t afraid of a damn thing,” recalled Lt. Robert Molloy. “I never saw Mike back down from anything… He never asked you to do what he wouldn’t do himself.” Firefighter Pat Palie echoed those sentiments, while Firefighter John L. Walsh noted that Benedetti “gave his best and expected the best.” Committed to advancing firefighting science, Benedetti studied fire science at Massachusetts Bay Community College and served as an educator to his peers, with Lieutenant Molloy remarking, “He taught virtually everybody in this place about firefighting.”
In honor of the fallen deputy, fire and police stations across town were draped in black bunting, and a black Maltese cross was placed on the firefighter’s memorial monument standing in front of the central station—a poignant tribute given that Benedetti himself had designed and helped construct the memorial nine years prior.
A World War II Navy veteran, Deputy Benedetti was active in the community as a member of Knights of Columbus Council 252 and the International Association of Firefighters. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Helen R. (Maroney) Benedetti; two sons, Dana M. Benedetti and Michael G. Benedetti Jr.; a daughter, Beverly A. Benedetti of Boston; three brothers, Daniel J. Benedetti of Walpole, Henry F. Benedetti of Foxboro, and Edward N. Benedetti of Wrentham; and a sister, Mrs. Angela M. Daly of Norwood. Visiting hours will be held at the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St., today from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and tomorrow from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, followed by burial with full fire department honors at Highland Cemetery.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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