New York, New York
Always Able to Laugh
No matter what calamity befell Paul Benedetti in this life, his response was inevitable: a joke. Thus, when he escaped the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, fighting smoke as he made a harrowing trek down the stairs, "he never made much of it, except as an occasion for a funny story," said his wife, Alessandra. The joke involved a very large lady ahead of him, walking down the stairs incredibly slowly, blocking the way.
Then there were all those voices from "The Simpsons," which he loved to imitate. Not to mention the office software he rigged so Homer Simpson's distress word -- "doh" -- popped up electronically whenever users made a mistake.
Actually Mr. Benedetti, 32, was a serious man, but made his wit "into a management tool" at Aon Corporation, where he was an assistant director of the client-relationship- services department. "I know that if he'd been trapped somewhere, he'd have been joking around, whatever the situation," his wife said. "Trying to break the tension."
I recently just found out through a mutual friend and classmate of Newtown HS about Paul. He was an high-school friend and he even wrote in my yearbook. He had his sense of humor then too. He will be missed. He is now the third person that I know personally at 9/11, one was a college roommate and the other was a firefighter. Rest in Peace Paul.
Arnold Gallardo
August 18, 2025 | School
I still remember your poem about Abe Lincoln from the third grade. I know you are making them laugh in heaven now!
Carol Alcazar Conner
September 21, 2024 | School
Happy Birthday, Paul. (Now the day after in New York time) I never met you, but you seemed like such a humorous and wonderful person. I'll be visiting Ground Zero on June 5th and I'll visit your name in your honor. -Ashley Martin
Ashley Martin
May 22, 2023 | Other
Paul, your memory and spirit live on. Andy Bass
Andy Bass
September 11, 2022
Paul was one of my classmates at Newtown HS, I remember him as a very friendly and kind person. My best wishes and sympathies to your family and friends.
Frank Leung
September 11, 2021 | School
Paul, I remember the way you and Sandy just made everyone feel good. You were truly best friends, and so fun and easy to be around. Twenty years later I still cannot believe it.
Paige Carpenter
September 10, 2021 | Chicago, IL | Acquaintance
Paul,
20 years.
Your memory is as strong as ever. This wacky world would benefit from your smarts.your humoryour kindness.
Andy Bass
Andrew Bass
September 10, 2021 | Atlantic Beach, NY | Friend
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
hannah brooks
September 09, 2021 | PA
Remembering Paul on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Cindy Roe
September 01, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
