Southbridge: Ronald J. Benvenuti, Sr., 69, of Dennison Lane, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Thursday, Jan. 18th, after a two and a half year courageous battle with cancer.

He leaves his wife and best friend of 41 years, Laureen N. (McDonald) Benvenuti; his son, Ronald J. Benvenuti, Jr. and his wife Ashley of Southbridge; his three daughters, Melissa A. Roberson and her husband Sean of Phoenix, AZ, Megan C. Romero and her significant other, Alexander Rajotte of Southbridge and Sarah AM Kennedy and her husband Eric of Brimfield; his mother, Betty Ann (Bird) Benvenuti of Clearwater FL; a brother, Michael Benvenuti of Atlanta, GA; his sister, Doreen Thompson of Clearwater, FL; his eight cherished grandchildren, Brianna, Emily, Seamus, Noah, Madelyn, Alexanderia, Brian, Jr. and Lilah.  Ronald was predeceased by his father, Julian L. Benvenuti and a brother, Roy A. Benvenuti.

He was born in Southbridge and graduated from Southbridge High School.  Ronald was a 50 year dedicated employee of Dexter-Russell in Southbridge.  He fought through all his cancer treatment and returned to the place he loved as a Supervisor and worked up until this past December.  Ronald enjoyed playing golf, bowling and fishing especially at his favorite spots in Georgia.  He loved drinking some beer and playing Keno with his friends at the Golden Greek restaurant in Southbridge.  Ronald was an avid sports fan and followed all the New England sports teams especially the Boston Bruins.  He did however have a few other favorites including the Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons, and the Atlanta Braves.  Ronald and Laureen loved their trips to Florida to visit family and friends in Clearwater.  He was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church in Brimfield.  Ronald loved music and could be often seen dancing and singing around the kitchen to Bob Dylan or Merle Haggard.  He was big fan of Sponge Bob Square Pants and shared his love for him in his interior decorating.  Above all Ronald was a strong and devoted family man who truly loved his wife, children and grandchildren.

A celebration of life for Ronald will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 4:00 PM at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 59 Mills St., Southbridge.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ronald's name to the Cancer Center at Harrington, 55 Sayles St., Southbridge, MA 01550.