Pasquale James Benedetti

Pasquale James "PJ" Benedetti passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2 at 5:30 PM at the age of 90. He spent his final five weeks at the Sunset House hospice home in Irondequoit, New York, surrounded by family and friends with his loving wife, Sandy, by his side.

Born on February 25, 1936, PJ was the son of Italian immigrants Mario and Mary (Galline) Benedetti. He grew up in a close-knit Italian community in Oakfield, New York, before moving to Buffalo, where he graduated from Kensington High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work. He and his older sister, Clara, both achieved advanced degrees, using their education to step into leadership roles within the helping professions.

PJ dedicated 25 years of his life as a social worker and supervisor for the New York State Division for Youth group homes in Rochester. He possessed a true gift for connecting with troubled youth and worked tirelessly to secure safe placement for the adjudicated youth. While building his career, PJ also raised his four children as a single father, always putting his family before professional advancement.

An avid outdoorsman, PJ spent his younger years hunting, fishing, and stewarding his children through athletics, camping, and outdoor skills. Following an early retirement in 1991, he immediately set off on a solo cross-country bicycle journey from Alberta to Nova Scotia in a single summer. He had previously completed two bike trips with his daughter Kathleen from New York to Maine and from Maine through the maritime provinces.

Around this time, PJ met the love of his life, Sandy Sennett. The remaining chapters of his life were spent holding the hand of his “Cutie” Sandy, who always greeted him with, “Hey handsome!!!” Together, they shared a love for nature, exploring state and national parks, gardening, and volunteering. Deeply connected to his Italian roots, PJ was an accomplished cook, baker, and canner. He took traditional recipes seriously, picking seasonal berries with his daughter Maria and his grandchildren to make jam, while passing down recipes and traditions, woodworking, and carpentry skills to the next generations.

PJ turned his admiration for social change into action. Deeply influenced by a graduate mentor who led global humanitarian efforts, PJ dedicated his life to community service. He drove immigrants to Buffalo for legal hearings, taught English, and lobbied for labor rights and farmworker protections. He and Sandy volunteered for Meals on Wheels and PJ volunteered for Literacy Volunteers—where he formed lifelong friendships. He led a prolonged effort to support the budding Unitarian Universalist Church in Brockport.

He was also committed to personal growth and was a founding member of "The Good Guys," He was also deeply proud of his sober lifestyle, where he "walked the walk" and inspired many.

PJ is survived by his beloved children: Jim (Carina) Benedetti, Maria (Bill) Dewhirst, Kathleen Benedetti-Fisher, and Marble (Cindy) Spikes; 10 grandchildren: Jonny (Leslie) Dewhirst, Paul (Nadia) Dewhirst, Rachel (Matt) Pagani, Jimena (Joe) Freda, Dominique (Joey) Nesbitt, Michael Spikes, Kellie Benedetti, Laura (Ken) Peare, Joseph (Susan) Benedetti, and Chrissie (Erik) Belfiore; and 14 great-grandchildren: Isabel, Summer, Madeleine, Hazel, Maya, Andre, Chance, Marrin, Elliott, Griffin, Calvin, Charlie, Arlo, and Gianna. He was predeceased by his sister, Dr. Clara Benedetti, and his parents.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 17th at Newcomer Funeral Home (2636 Ridgeway Avenue). A celebration of PJ’s vibrant life will take place the following day, Tuesday, August 18th, at Greece Canal Park inside the Rotary Lodge (241 Elmgrove Road).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rural Migrant Ministries, the Worker Justice Center of NY, or the Sunset House Comfort Care Home. PJ was truly a man of Forza e coraggio—strength and courage—and his legacy of goodness will be sorely missed.