Obituary: Joseph A. Benefico, 85, Of Milford

Joseph A. Benefico, age 85, beloved husband of the late Eleanor (Russo) Benefico entered peaceful rest on May 18, 2025. Joe, a lifelong resident of Milford, was born to the late Joseph and Anna (Sabol) Benefico on July 10, 1939.

Joe attended Walnut Beach Grammar School and was a 1957 graduate of Milford High
School. He served in the U.S. Army for two years before returning to his hometown
where he joined the Milford Police Department. During his time on the force, he earned
an associate’s degree from Southern Connecticut State College and a bachelor’s
degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of New Haven. He proudly
served with the department for 33 years, attaining the rank of Sergeant before retiring in
1998. Throughout his career and into retirement, he remained dedicated to the law
enforcement community as a member of the Milford Police Benevolent Association,
where he served as treasurer, and as a member the Police/Fire Retirees Association.
Joe spent most of his life in the Myrtle and Walnut Beach neighborhoods, where he fell
in love and raised a family with Eleanor, a fellow “beach kid.” He was known to often be
seen, even in his older years, walking along Broadway Ave and in the vicinity of Walnut
Beach. A devoted member of Saint Gabriel Parish, he began as an altar boy, sang in
the choir, and passed the donation basket in his later years. Though firmly grounded in
the place he called home, Joe also loved to travel—especially during his retirement,
when he spent time in Florida and made memorable trips to Italy, fulfilling a life long
dream.
Joe was known throughout Milford for the many contributions he made and the lasting
friendships he formed. He was an active member of numerous local organizations,
including Elks Lodge #1589, the Knights of Columbus, and the Milford High School
Reunion Committee. He also found great joy in singing with the New Haven Chapter of
Barbershoppers, where his love of music and community came together.
Joe enjoyed sports of all kinds. He played high school football and loved to share his
knowledge of the game with aspiring players. He was a lifelong baseball fan and loved
smaller and old-school ballparks, no matter which team was playing. He also enjoyed
rooting for the UCONN Huskies men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Most importantly of all Joe will be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit. He always
had a smile on his face and saw the positive side of every situation.
Joseph will be sadly missed by his children: Leonard Benefico and his wife Rasa of
Pennsylvania, Joanna Lapham and her husband Greg of Milford, and Nicolas Benefico
and his wife Abigail of Maine; grandchildren Joseph and Lexi Lapham; and many
nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joseph was predeceased by his siblings, Leonard and
Frederick Benefico, Josephine Gefrich and Teresa Bartolotta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
(DIRECTLY) at St. Gabriel Church (Saint Raphael Parish) 26 Broadway, Milford.
Interment to follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Milford. Family and friends may call on
Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 BRIDGEPORT
AVENUE, MILFORD. To share a memory, please go to
www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.c...