John A. “Rocco” DeBenedetto, 78, passed away on Wednesday August 12, 2015 at Lawrence General Hospital.  John was born June 9, 1937 to the late John and Rose DeBenedetto.  He attended Holy Rosary Grammar School and served as an altar boy at Holy Rosary Parish.  He was a 1956 graduate of Lawrence High School.  After high school, he joined The Navy Reserves and worked as a truck driver for Prince Macaroni Company of Lowell and Freeman Fuel Company of Methuen.  He joined The Methuen Fire Department and served as a firefighter until his retirement.  John was a member of The Methuen Senior Center.  He loved to play pool. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed The Boston Celtics and The New England Patriots.  He also enjoyed doing woodworking.

His family members include his sons, Gary P. DeBenedetto of Methuen and William J. DeBenedetto, Sr. and his wife, Nancy of Methuen. He leaves his grandchildren, William J. DeBenedetto of Medford, MA. and granddaughter, Jessica L. DeBenedetto of Lawrence and his former wife, Marie of Methuen.  John also leaves his brother, Robert DeBenedetto of Lawrence and his sister, Elaine Neve and her husband, Arthur of Methuen.  John was pre-deceased by his brother, Richard DeBenedetto.

John’s family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of Lawrence General Hospital for all the wonderful care they gave John while he was there.

There are no calling hours. Services and burial will be private by invitation. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Fl,1, Framingham, MA., 01701 or to The American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St.,#501, Boston, MA., 02212. Arrangements are by The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. To send an online condolence, please go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com or www.facebook.com/DewhirstFuneralHome.

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