John Paul Benedict, 91, of Stow, MA, formerly of Pittsfield, MA, died Thursday, January 23, 2014. Born in Monterey, Massachusetts on January 25, 1922, he was the son of the late Harold Baldwin and Zella (Gottschaulk) Benedict. While attending Pittsfield High School and following his graduation, he was employed at Broyle's Roller Skating Arena where he met the love of his life, Eleanor Hamm, his wife of 72 years. Shortly after his wedding, he was deployed to Germany where he served in the U. S. Army Signal Corps, Bernard Montgomery's Troop in Germany during World War II. Upon his return, he served in the Army National Guard for 20 years. A longtime resident of Pittsfield, John Paul was employed as an Electrical Technician in the Power Transformer Division at General Electric in Pittsfield and was a longtime member of General Electric's Stanley Club. He retired in 1987 after 44 years of employment. During his time in Pittsfield, John Paul was an active member of the community, serving as a communicant of St. Francis Parish. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sporting events, was a member of the Friends of Skidmore College Athletics, and never missed watching a Patriot's game. He was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed woodworking and building miniature houses and furniture. In 2004, John Paul and Eleanor moved to Stow, Ma to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. In addition to his wife of 72 years, Eleanor (Hamm) Benedict, he is survived by his daughter, Joyce Benedict Ricker and her husband James of Concord, 4 grandchildren, Jason Ricker and his wife Lisa of Mansfield, Justin Ricker and his wife Francesca of Maynard, Evan Ricker and his wife Mara of Concord and Autumn Gray and her husband Ian of Framingham, 5 great grandchildren, Austin, Kathryn, Campbell, Marina and Gabrielle Ricker, his sister, and Helen Nicholas of Richmond, MA. He was also the brother of the late Edward and Robert Benedict. Concord's town flag will fly at half-staff on Tuesday in recognition of Mr. Benedict's service to his country during World War II. Cemetery: Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Pittsfield. Service: Services will be private.