WATERTOWN, NY — Frederick C. Benedetto, 94, of Elm Street, Watertown, passed away Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at Hospice of Jefferson County, with his family by his side.
Mr. Benedetto was born Jan. 17, 1927, in Pyrites, New York, a son of Dominic and Vincenza (Surace) Benedetto. He graduated from Watertown High School, Jefferson Community College and Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources.
Mr. Benedetto served in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Portsmouth as a machinist mate. He was honorably discharged.
He married Katherine S. Scordo on Sept. 17, 1949, at St. Anthony’s Church with Monsignor Claude Sechi officiating.
Mr. Benedetto worked for the New York Air Brake as a machinist for several years until he retired. He then became the business agent for the Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Lodge 761, District 65 (New York Air Brake, LLC).
He was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church, volunteering for the Mt. Carmel Festival. He was a member of the Italian American Civic Association, volunteering for the Bravo Italian Fest. Mr. Benedetto was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Lodge 761, District 65 ( New York Air Brake, LLC).
He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and wintering at his home in Boynton Beach, Florida.
He is survived by his wife Katherine, the daughter of Vincenzo and Marianna Scordo, one of 11 children, and several nieces and nephews.
His brother Fortunato died at birth. Three sisters Anna Bussell, Mary Schilt and Frances Soluri, all died before him.
There will be no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be said 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Church. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.
Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc., Keyes Avenue.
Contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., St. Anthony’s Church, 850 Arsenal St., or to the Italian American Civic Association, 192 Bellew Ave. Watertown, NY 13601.
