Robert “Rob” A. Benedetto, 67, of Derry, NH passed away on April 9, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. For seven months, he courageously fought cancer, and lived life to the fullest, up until the end. Rob visited with many relatives and friends, at home up to the day he passed. He was at peace and smiling, after passing. Rob had been speaking and seeing his pre-deceased loved ones for days. He also kept saying, “I want to go home” and that he did.
Rob was born in Winchester, Massachusetts on November 23, 1957, to parents Anthony and Rosella (Vittozzi) Benedetto. He has lived in Derry since 1987, previously living in Wakefield, MA. Rob grew up in Wakefield, a town he cherished, where numerous members of his extended family lived nearby.
Rob was the first born of five children. The family’s Italian heritage was well celebrated. Rob graduated from Wakefield High School in 1975. During high school and beyond he worked multiple trucking and construction jobs. Rob obtained an Electronics Technician Certificate and worked at Western Electric as a telecommunications electronics tester.
Years later, Rob left Western Electric/AT&T (where he met his wife Cathy) and went back to his roots in Construction. He was a Heavy Equipment Operator for the rest of his career, working for multiple companies, usually due to advancements. Rob’s last position was as a Backhoe Operator within the Gas Division of Feeney Brothers Utilities, of Dorchester Ma. Rob mostly worked in Northern Massachusetts and Southern NH. He really enjoyed being an “Operator” and making friends over the years. Rob was still working, up until his diagnosis.
Rob loved his family and home. He enjoyed football, news, politics, finances, food, Westerns, movies, riding his Harley Davidson, going to the beach, and traveling with his nephews and friends internationally. His favorite place was “Home.” His grandchildren brought him much joy!
He is survived, by his wife of 38 years, Catherine (Caron) Benedetto of Derry NH, one daughter, Robin A. Fennell and her husband, Darrell Fennell Jr., who are currently residing in Wichita, KS, four grandchildren, with a fifth expected soon, one son, Anthony R. Benedetto of Tarpon Springs, FL, one brother, George P. Benedetto of Manchester, NH, one sister, Paula L. Russell of Safety Harbor, FL, as well as several nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. Rob was pre-deceased by his parents Anthony and Rosella and siblings: Anthony D. Benedetto and Susan J. Benedetto.
A Mass of Christian Burial, and memorial, will be celebrated later, in the months to come.