The body fire officials found in a home early Wednesday at 70 Pleasant Drive in Benton has been identified by the state Office of Chief Medical Examiner as that of Paul Verville, 62.

“The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” Shannon Moss, spokeswoman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said late Friday in a news release.

A deceased dog also was found in the home.

The state Fire Marshal’s Office responded just after around 2 a.m. Wednesday to the fire at the request of Fairfield-Benton Fire & Rescue, Moss said earlier in the week.

When firefighters arrived at the single-family home, they found it fully involved, she said.

The Waterville, Albion, Clinton, Skowhegan and Oakland fire departments also responded to the fire.

Pleasant Drive was temporarily closed to allow for emergency operations, Moss said. She said the body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta to determine the cause of death, and for positive identification.

Kathie Casey said she worked with Verville’s wife, Julie, several years ago and became friends.

“I am so sad this tragic event has happened,” Casey, 56, of Waterville, said Saturday. “This is a devastation to all of us that have known Paul. He will be hugely missed and my heart breaks into pieces for Julie.”

She said the Vervilles worked hard at the family business, Elite Taxi, which was owned by Verville’s father, Paul Verville Sr. The business started in Benton and then moved to Waterville, according to Casey. She said they were dedicated to the business and worked long hours there. The younger couple also started P&J Taxi in Benton, according to Casey.

Editor’s note: This story was updated to include comment from Casey.