Albany- James Benedetto "Lefty", 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 25, 2021. He was the son of the late John Benedetto and Mary Pike. James was the devoted husband to the late Nonette C. Benedetto. They were married 65 years.

After leaving school, James joined the Navy Reserve and went into active duty until his honorable discharge. Upon leaving the Navy, James was a Firefighter with the West Albany Fire Company for 10 years. After moving to Loudonville, James joined the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department where he served for 58 years.

James worked for the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P). He also worked for Tobin Packing and the South Colonie School District.

James was one of the original advisors for the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department Explorer Post 475, which was started in 1975 and is still ongoing to this day.

James enjoyed spending time with his entire family, especially the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and bowler. James enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time.

James is survived by his sons, Michael J. (Karen) Benedetto and David M. (Julie) Benedetto; grandchildren, Jilliane (Logan Litherland) Benedetto, Deanna (Andrew) Sanchez, Katelyn (David) Bogdan and Steven Benedetto; great-grandchildren, Adrianna and Joseph Sanchez; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, James is predeceased by his twin brother, John Benedetto "Righty".

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, New York 12189 on Wednesday December 1, 2021 from 4pm to 8pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday December 2, 2021 at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Dr, Albany, NY 12211. Burial will follow the service at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 983 Watervliet Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12205.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in James's name to a charity of your choice.