Robert Benedetti

"Robert "Sly" Benedetti, 80, died Saturday, September 6 at home after a long illness. Born in Palmer, November 19, 1927, the son of the late Alfonso and Geny (Fabiani) Benedetti, he was a lifelong resident. Sly was a graduate of Springfield Trade School and served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked at Gouvin's Garage for many years, along with having his own business, Bob's Esso Service Center in Palmer. He was later the service manager for Zabek Motor Sales and retired from Punderson Oil in Springfield. He was the Civil Defense Director for Palmer from 1964 – 1975. Sly was a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and had served on the Parish Council. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion and was formerly active with Operation Friendship for many years. In his leisure, Sly enjoyed traveling, golf, morning coffee with the "gang", and his Kat. After retirement, he worked part-time for Turley Publications and drove the train at the Forest Park Zoo, along with volunteering at the Palmer Public Library and Top Floor Learning. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 48 years, Barbara (Graham) Benedetti and his two sons Michael and Stephen. Michael is supported in this time by his companion Mary Hahn of Monson along with her children Chelsey and Justin, while Stephen is supported by his companion Ines Paetkau of Munich Germany. He also leaves his sister-in-law Iris Benedetti of Springfield and his nieces and nephews, Gina O'Brien of CA, Pamela Abare of Springfield, Cynthia Benedetti of NC and David Benedetti of Palmer. He will also be missed by Hajimu Ito, his wife Mitsuko and their daughter Shiho of Tokyo, Japan. Besides his parents, a brother Harry preceded him in death. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 11 beginning at 9:00 a.m. from the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St., (Rte. 20) followed by a liturgy of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Thomas Church. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. For those wishing, the family requests that donations be made in his memory either to Palmer Public Library, 1455 N. Main St., 01069, or to Baystate VNA & Hospice, 50 Maple Street, Springfield, 01102. "