In Memory Of

In Memory Of Lionel Benjamin, Retired Volunteer FF

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Lionel J. Benjamin
BENJAMIN, LIONEL J. 'PETE', 73, a retired Major of the RI State Police Department, passed away Tuesday, January 15th at the RI Hospital. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Lionel J. and Vincenza (Balasco) Benjamin and the husband of the late Eleanor H. (Fisher) Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin joined the RI State Police Department in 1958, retiring as a Major in 1990, having served 15 of those years as the youngest and longest serving Executive Officer in the country. As a graduate of the F.B.I. Academy, he was recognized for his expertise in the prevention of organized crime and served proudly under the direction of the legendary Colonel Walter E. Stone. Consistent with his altruistic nature, he had been a volunteer fireman for the Marieville Fire Department for 15 years as well as a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He leaves his children, Mark J. Benjamin and his wife Rebecca, and Gregory S. Benjamin; aunts, Ann Pelleccione, Jennie Russo and Clara Martinelli; several cousins, nieces and nephews as well as his dear friend, Liz Merola. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, followed by interment with Military Honors in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pete's memory to the American Cancer Society, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903.