Feature Photo: Tony and one of his employees behind the counter in Roslindale (Terrance Lorn/NEHSJC)
Antonio DeBenedictis dreamed of being an opera conductor, but his father quickly rejected the idea, stating “all musicians die poor.” Instead he became an award-winning butcher providing Roslindale and surrounding towns with his personality and imported Italian groceries.
Born in 1939, in Pratola Serra, a small town in Italy, DeBenedict is was the oldest of nine siblings. At the age of 19, his world changed when he emigrated to the United States.
Before becoming Roslindale’s favorite butcher, he first worked sewing clothes. He found that he was unfit for sewing, and in 1963 he jumped at the opportunity to buy a butcher shop in Dedham Square for $8,000.
Tony prepares for customers behind the counter. Terrance Lorn/NEHSJC
Although he knew nothing about running a grocery store, he decided to sell meats, along with Italian delicacies. And in June, he was presented one of Boston’s Business Legacy Awards by Mayor Michelle Wu.
His community has continuously supported him throughout his career, some patrons traveling as many as 60 miles for his imported groceries. One of DeBenedictis’ regular customers, called Duffy, shared his thoughts about the shop: “Everything’s fresh; it’s like an old school deli. These guys are great.”
DeBenedictis often brings his love of opera and ballroom dancing into the store, entertaining his customers with his brand of singing and dancing.
During the pandemic as businesses struggled to make ends meet, his shop thrived with customers repeatedly coming back. “It was crazy busy, no one went out to eat, so they came here,” DeBenedictis said.
After recently receiving his business legacy award, the 85-year-old said: “You get rewarded, it always feels good.” DeBenedictis' personality and imported groceries have allowed him to serve his community for 61 years – and he’s still making an impact.
He may not have become an opera conductor, but has found fame through an unlikely passion.