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

Firefighter John Benoit died of cancer Saturday after serving with the Everett Fire Department for more than 30 years. Fire officials announced.

Benoit, of Wilmington, died at age 63 surrounded by his family, according to Obituary. The fire department indicated that his death was due to… Occupational cancer.

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

After graduating from high school, Benoit joined the Air Force. He later returned to his hometown to join the Everett Fire Department, carrying a “family legacy” that included his father and older brother, according to his obituary.

He was officially hired by 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 alongside his wife, Cynthia Evans Benoit. He also found enjoyment in traveling, boating, live music, gardening, bird watching and home improvement projects, according to his obituary.

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

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

His children had many close relationships with him, including taking trips to the White Mountains. Amanda shared many of Benoit’s personal interests, such as traveling, motorcycling, bird watching, 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 at A.J Share Facebook.

“It was a cousin of mine, and my family as well as Lawrence Fire offer 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 him 100 Club of Massachusettsa non-profit organization that supports the families of fallen active duty firefighters and police officers.

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