Donald Benedetti, 85, of Natick, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2026 surrounded by his family.
Born in North Adams, Massachusetts on May 21, 1941, he attended Drury High School and graduated from Williams College in 1963.  While at Williams Don served as the President of the Outing Club and was a Steward for the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
In 1962 he met the love of his life Anne Swift. They were married in 1964 and eventually settled in Natick where they raised their family.
He earned a Master’s of Education degree from Harvard University in 1964, then began his teaching career at Wayland High School. He valued his dual role as both teacher and coach, serving for 38 years as a history and social studies teacher and track and cross-country coach. He retired in 2002, and in 2014 he was inducted into the Wayland High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Many members of his teams went on to become outstanding college and professional runners. 
Don will be remembered for his devotion to family, commitment to his community, and deep love of the outdoors. Through his teaching, coaching, and mentorship, he positively influenced generations of students and athletes.
He is survived by his beloved wife Anne, his daughter Betsy Ginsberg and her husband Eric, his son Michael Benedetti and his wife Ilona, and son Dan Benedetti and his wife KyungAh Chung-Benedetti. He was a proud and loving Papa to his four grandchildren: William, Bradley, and Kyle Ginsberg, and Elliott Benedetti. He was cherished by brother Robert Benedetti and his wife Sallie, his sister Judy Noel and late husband Edward, and sister Nanci Cirone and her husband Albert. He was predeceased by his parents, Anita and William Benedetti and infant son William.
Donald donated blood and platelets to the Red Cross for over a decade and was an avid supporter of many charities. In lieu of flowers donations in his honor can be sent to the Red Cross, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Natick Service Council.
Visiting Hours in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street Natick Common on Friday June 19th from 11am-12:30pm, followed by Celebration of Life Service at 12:30pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will be at a later date at Southview Cemetery in North Adams, MA.