Vincent R. DeBenedictis, 91 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Thursday April 12, 2012 at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Coyne) DeBenedictis; two sons, Vincent M. DeBenedictis and his wife, Julie of Agoura Hills, California, Mark F. DeBenedictis of Worcester; a brother, Anthony DeBenedictis of Memphis Tennessee; a sister, Geraldine DeBenedictis of Quincy; three grandsons, Blake DeBenedictis of Agoura Hills, California, Joshua Destefano of California and Nathaniel Destefano of Kentucky; many nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a son, Leone C. Destefano who passed away in 2011; his sisters, Henrietta, Mary and Elvira and his brothers, Joseph, Frank and George.
Vincent was born in Boston, the son of Francesco and Concetta (Sarno) DeBenedictis on May 12, 1920. Vincent and his wife Mary share the May 12th birth date. He was known as Jim or Jimmy by his family, and friends growing up. Vincent attended Dedham High School and was the valedictorian of his class and a three sport athlete. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College in 1942. Shortly after graduating from Boston College, Vincent was drafted into the Army and served in World War II in radio intelligence for the 3257th Signal Service Company in the United States and Europe for three years. Upon returning home from serving his country, he continued his educational pursuits and received his master’s degree from Boston University. Vincent’s love of the romance languages and classical literature would be expressed through his many years of teaching at Boston College, Boston University, Choate Rosemary Hall and Worcester Academy. He finally settled down and taught for 30 years at Worcester State College. He was a Professor Emeritus and was head of the Foreign Language Department.
Vincent loved his wife and family very much. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf, watching sports, reading and working in the garden. He was proud of his tomatoes. He frequently attended the theatre in Boston and concerts at Mechanics Hall in Worcester with his wife Mary and their friends. He was a member of Christ the King church in Worcester where he served as a religious teacher and worked for the Bishop’s Fund.
A special thanks to the Jewish Healthcare Center and the JHC Hospice for their wonderful care.
His funeral will be on Wednesday, April 18th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 59 2 Park Avenue with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial will be on Thursday, April 19th in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne with a service at 1:00 PM. Calling hours are Tuesday, April 17th from 4:00 until 6:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Jewish Health Care Center or the JHC Hospice 629 Salisbury Street Worcester, Ma 01609.