John J.”Johnny Dee” DiBenedetto, 59, passed away unexpectedly at home Tuesday, December 25, 2018, while watching his favorite holiday movie, “A Christmas Story,” with his son, Rob.

He leaves his devoted children, Robert “Robbie” DiBenedetto of Worcester, and Sheena Petukhov, and her husband, Sergei, of Westborough; his former wife, who was the mother of his children and a loyal friend to John in the years following their separation, Cheryl DiBenedetto, of Worcester; Sheena’s three children, his beloved grandchildren, Tyler and Toni Simmarano, and Scarlet Petukhov; a sister Diane Cotter, and her husband, Paul, of Ringe, NH; several nieces and nephews; a good friend, who he married briefly as a 19 year old young man, and remained close with throughout the years,, Cathryn Jerome Mezynski; and countless friends with whom he shares a lifetime of found memories; and his pit bull, Gia, who is now lost without her person. John was predeceased by his parents, John S. and Patricia A. DiBenedetto, of Worcester.

John was born in Worcester. He was the only son of former theater manager, John S. and long time Spags clothing buyer, Patricia A. (Doherty) “Patti”DiBenedetto. He graduated from Worcester Vocational High School with the class of 78. John worked for a while as an electrical mechanic for the Ranstrom family, at the former Texaco Gas Station on West Boylston Street in Worcester. He continued his education and became a licensed electrician, who was described countless times as a master of his craft, he even taught the trade, through hands on experience, to his son Robbie. After becoming licensed, John worked for many years at Paul Kathman Electric in Holden, Mass and then with IBEW Local 96. Most recently, prior to becoming disabled a few years back, John was employed by Ostrow Electric of Worcester.

He was a passionate outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and biking. In addition, John played Racketball at what was then the Worcester Athletic Club. John had an indescribable love for animals. Animals of all kinds.over the years, he rescued, adopted, rehabilitated, and homed every animal from domestic cats and dogs, to wild birds and squirrels.

John will be sorely missed by family, friends, and especially his children and grandchildren. The memory of Johnny Dee will forever be cherished by all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 7th from 4-7p.m. at Nordgren Funeral Home 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester. A short memorial service will commence the following day at the DiBenedetto cemetery plot located at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League.