Active-duty Mass. firefighter dies after 30 years of service

Active-duty firefighter John Benoit died from cancer on Saturday after serving in the Everett Fire Department for more than 30 years, fire officials announced. 

Benoit, of Wilmington, died at 63 years old surrounded by his family, according to his obituary. The fire department noted his death was due to occupational cancer.

Benoit grew up in Everett alongside four siblings and attended Our Lady of Grace School and Northeast Regional High School in Wakefield, his obituary states. 

Following high school graduation, Benoit enlisted in the Air Force. He later returned to his hometown to join the Everett Fire Department, carrying on a “family legacy” that included his father and older brother, according to his obituary. 

He was officially appointed to the Everett Fire Department in February 1996, fire officials said. 

Remembered in his obituary as a “motorcycle enthusiast,” Benoit enjoyed taking trips to the White Mountains to ride side by side with his wife, Cynthia Evans Benoit. He also found joy in traveling, boating, live music, gardening, bird watching, and home improvement projects, according to his obituary. 

Benoit was also a member of the American Legion Post 136 in Wilmington. 

Along with his wife, Benoit is survived by his two children, Amanda and Matthew, whom his obituary describes as his “pride and joy in life.” He also leaves behind two of his sisters and many other beloved family members and friends. 

His children shared many close connections with him, including taking trips to the White Mountains. Amanda shared many of Benoit’s personal interests, such as traveling, motorcycling, birdwatching, and gardening. Matthew, who served in the Coast Guard after high school, now works as a firefighter in Cambridge, according to Benoit’s obituary. 

Lawrence Fire Chief Patrick Delaney, who described himself as Benoit’s cousin, shared his condolences in a Facebook post.

“He was a cousin of mine, and my family as well as Lawrence Fire extend our condolences,” Delaney wrote. “Please keep the Benoit family and the Everett Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers.” 

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to the 100 Club of Massachusetts, a nonprofit supporting families of fallen active-duty firefighters and police officers.

Benoit’s wake is scheduled for Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at JF Ward Funeral Home in Everett. His funeral Mass is set to follow the next day at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church in Chelsea.