Old Bridge Police Department mourns officer's death

Old Bridge police officers are mourning the loss of one of their own after Patrolman Peter “Pete” C. Benedict, 31, died Monday at his township home.

In a post Tuesday on the Old Bridge Police Department's Facebook page announcing the officer’s “untimely death," Acting Police Chief Donald Fritz, Jr. wrote that Benedict died "unexpectedly,"

"His sudden passing has us in shock," the post says. "We ask that you keep Pete’s family and friends in your hearts as we go through this difficult time. We here at the Police Department are blessed to have always had such a supportive community behind us. We will need that now more than ever as we try to move forward. Rest in peace Pete … we’ve got it from here."

"Those who knew Peter, knew that he was a true American patriot," Old Bridge PBA Local 127 President Vincent Galgano wrote Tuesday on the union's Facebook page.

"He loved serving his country and his community," Galgano said. "He dedicated his life to public service. He was an outstanding police officer and always had a smile on his face. Peter has many, many friends here in the police department and across the country which will surely miss him. Rest peacefully brother Benedict #245."

All township flags are flying at half-staff. Old Bridge officials said residents are welcome to lower their flags in remembrance of Benedict.

No cause of death has been released.

On Thursday, Galgano posted on the PBA’s Facebook page, "We would like to take this time to thank each and every one of you for your heartfelt messages during this very difficult time. The tragic loss of our brother Peter has been overwhelming for our officers as well as the community. We thank everyone for all the support you have shown us and the Benedict family at this time."

Born in New Brunswick to Richard Benedict and Denise Appell-Benedict, Benedict began his service to the community while in high school by serving as an EMT on the Old Bridge Rescue Squad, according to his obituary on the Brunswick Memorial Home website.

After graduating from Old Bridge High School in 2010, Benedict enlisted in the Marine Corps and received an Honorable Discharge in 2014 with the rank of Lance Corporal.

He then earned his associate degree in Criminal Justice from Brookdale Community College in 2015. Benedict joined the Old Bridge Police Department in 2016 where he served as a patrolman.

"Those closest to Peter know he lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed family outings, joking with others, and being outdoors. He also loved spending time with his dog, Chase," according to the obituary.

Benedict is survived by "the love of his life" Taylor Alexandra Soto, his daughter Isabella Grace Benedict and sons Caiden Matthew Benedict, Hunter Grey Benedict and Niko Wilfredo Rotonda, the obituary says.

He also is survived by his paternal grandmother Joanne Benedict, of Concord, Vermont; his father Richard G. Benedict and wife Krista, of South River; his mother Denise Ellen Appell-Benedict, of Old Bridge and his brothers Richard G. Benedict III and wife, Dara, of Englishtown; Kevin Patrick Benedict and significant other Toniann, of Old Bridge and Zachary Benedict, of South River, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins, the obituary says.

Visitation will be 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Brunswick Memorial Home, 454 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. Services will be held at the funeral home at 8:30 a.m. Saturday followed by a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Interment will follow at Washington Monumental Cemetery, South River.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NJ Sharing Network.

The Old Bridge PBA Local 127 will be establishing a college fund for Benedict's children. Donations may be mailed to Old Bridge PBA Local 127, P.O. Box 181, Old Bridge, NJ, 08857. Checks should be payable to Old Bridge PBA Local 127 with the memo, "Benedict Fund."

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Old Bridge Police Department mourns death of Officer Peter Benedict