It started with a simple observation—one that many might overlook. Fox Hill Village resident Benito Petrillo noticed that some of the entryway tables in the building wings were looking a little… well, tired. Worn by time and use, they lacked the charm and elegance that residents and visitors alike have come to expect at FHV.
But where others saw a fading piece of furniture, Benito saw potential—and a chance to give back in a way that felt deeply personal.
A master woodworker by trade, Benito decided to put his skills to use. He teamed up with fellow resident Gary Green, and the two set out to design and build beautiful, handmade tables worthy of welcoming guests and neighbors alike. With support from Engineering Director Ray Seymour—who provided rich mahogany wood—the duo created the elegant pieces you now see at several entrances around the Village. Each table is a quiet masterpiece: sturdy, graceful, and made with care.
Benito’s journey to becoming an artisan is as rich as the wood he shapes. Born in Italy, he began learning his craft as a teenager, apprenticing with experienced woodworkers from the age of 19. At just 20, he moved to Switzerland to refine his skills even further, spending five years in Zurich working for a furniture maker. His passion for woodworking was already clear—he proudly built a full set of furniture for his sister’s wedding.
In 1966, life took another meaningful turn when Benito fell in love with an American woman and moved to Boston, where they married and built a life together. His career in the United States was nothing short of impressive. He created custom woodwork for all of the Talbots stores and ran his own shop inside Logan Airport, where he crafted counters for the airlines, phone booths, cabinetry, and signage. Bostonians may be intrigued to know Benito also contributed to the remodeling of iconic landmarks like Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.
Now at Fox Hill Village, Benito finds joy in the community’s well-equipped woodshop—a space where skill and creativity meet. Residents who wish to use the shop must first demonstrate their proficiency, a practice overseen by fellow resident and talented woodworker Bill Latta, under Ray Seymour’s direction.
One of Benito’s first pieces crafted at FHV was a delicate jewelry box for his daughter-in-law. When Bill’s wife, Kate, admired it, Benito—ever generous—made one just for her as well.
Benito’s story is a beautiful reminder of how lifelong passions can find new purpose in retirement. Thanks to him—and to Gary Green—residents now pass through entryways graced with handcrafted beauty, each table a symbol of dedication, artistry, and community spirit.
Thank you, Benito and Gary, for carving more than wood—you’ve carved a legacy of craftsmanship and care into the heart of Fox Hill Village