Ronald A. Benaski, 81
Dateline: Norton, MA
Ronald A. Benaski, age 81, a lifelong resident of Norton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Marilyn R. Benaski, to whom he was wed on September 23, 1976.
Born in Taunton, MA on October 17, 1936, he was a loving son of the late Steven and Doris (Campbell) Benaski.
While growing up, his family lived at the Balfour Farm where his father was farm superintendent until Ronnie was 9, at which time they moved to Plain Street. Ronnie graduated from Taunton Vocational High School, Class of 1954.
In 1957, Mr. Benaski began his career as a tool & die maker at Metals & Controls in Attleboro (later to become Texas Instruments). After 40 years of loyal service and strong work ethics, he retired in 1997.
A well-known face in the Norton community. Ronnie became a Norton Call Firefighter at the Winnecunnet Station in October 0f 1952. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1960 and Captain in 1969. He retired in 2004 with 52 years of fire-fighting service to the Town. He was a charter member and former delegate to the Massachusetts Volunteer/Call Firefighters Association and served as the past Vice-President of Region I and also as a Merchandise Manager for the organization.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he served as a Town Constable and was a member of the Massachusetts Constables Association. Ronnie also served on the Norton Cable Access Commission, was a life member of the Norton Historical Society and a member of the Bristol Lodge A.F. & A.M. in North Attleboro.
Always giving back to the town that he loved so much, Ronnie often shared his knowledge, volunteering many hours to the community. Along with his good friend Charlie Thomae, they completed the restoration of the bell trunnion at the Norton Unitarian Church, enabling the bell to be rung after years of silence due to being struck by lightening. In recognition of all the ways in which he helped to make the Town of Norton a better place to live, the 2004 Annual Town Report was dedicated in honor of Ronald A. Benaski.
Another side of Ronnie was the pleasure he received in spending time amongst family and friends. He was an avid NASCAR fan, a salt-water fisherman and enjoyed traveling extensively throughout our beautiful country and abroad,
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his caring and devoted daughter Brenda L. Benaski of Falmouth, as well as Lori Byther, Cheryl Andrade, Deborah Silvia, Ronald Benaski and Kathleen Rodrigues. He was the brother of Barbara Medas of Norton and the late John Benaski. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend his funeral service, along with firefighters honors, on Tuesday, July 24th at 10:00 A.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton. Burial will follow at the Timothy Plain Cemetery in Norton.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, July 23rd from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald’s memory may be made to Norton Ambulance Gift Account, 70 East Main St., Norton, MA 02766 or the Norton Historical Society, 18 West Main St., Norton, MA 02766.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com