Peter J. DiBenedetto

OXFORD- Peter DiBenedetto, otherwise known as "Papa Pete", age 70, formerly from Shrewsbury, passed from this life Saturday, May 24th, soon after sharing the day with his loved ones. Despite the many years afflicted with illness, Pete lived a good life with a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. He will always be remembered by his friends and family as a "Good Guy". Pete was born on June 29, 1943 in Worcester, a son of Pasquale and Evelyn (Coursey) DiBenedetto. He grew up in Shrewsbury and was the second born of seven children. He was a son to a fisherman and spent many summers on Cape Cod at Monomoy Point. In 1962 Pete became a Marine Corps recruit of the Worcester Division for almost a year before an injury earned him a technical discharge. He graduated from Shrewsbury High School in "63" and was know as an enthusiastic athlete in crew, gymnastics, baseball, and especially football. He was a proud member of the 1963 Shrewsbury Gridiron Club and was honored for this achievement in 2003. His first job was at Lovey's Garage where he performed many duties including truck driver and mechanic. There he developed the skills that would earn him a position as "Crew Chief" on the champion stock car racing team for Peter Salvator. Ultimately Pete's life long career as a carpenter began. Eventually he started his own business with his brothers, Peter & Paul Builders. Although he was retired, Pete continued to "swing the hammer" with his two sons up to a few months before he died. Peter leaves his wife of 22 years, Cathy (Hovagimian) DiBenedetto; her three children Nicole, Steven, and Alycia Damiano of Millbury and his two grandchildren Diandra and Madison; his first wife and friend, Gail Callahan and their three children Brian, Marc, and Stefanie DiBenedetto of Shrewsbury. He also leaves his sister Rose Ducimo and her husband Gerry of Worcester; his brother Paul DiBenedetto and his wife Karen of Paxton; his brother Philip DiBenedetto of Worcester and his partner Kathy Boulanger; his brother Pat DiBenedetto and his wife Diann of Shrewsbury; his sisters Donna Lawton and Patti DiBenedetto of Shrewsbury; and many loving nieces, nephews, friends and family. Calling hours will be held Friday May 30th from 4 to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday May 31st at 11:00 am at St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit Peter's memorial site at (mercadantefuneral.com)