Mrs. Antoinette A. (Massago) Benzo

On September 8, 2012, Antoinette A. (Massago) Benzo, a beautiful and beloved woman, formerly of Utica and currently of Oakland, California, passed away peacefully from this life in San Leandro, California, with her loving family by her side. She was 94 years old. Antoinette was born on February 3, 1918 in Utica, the daughter of the late Angelo and Angela (Pasquale) Massago. On May 20, 1939 she married the love of her life, Michael C. Benzo. They shared a blessed and devoted marriage until his death on April 11, 1962. Antoinette lived and worked in Utica, first at M&M Cleaners and later at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital. After her retirement she moved to California. Antoinette was a devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling with her family and visiting with friends. She had an incredible inner strength that kept her going through a variety of adversities. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Antoinette is survived by her beloved daughter, Angela Benzo Norman; her devoted son-in-law, Eric “Rick” Norman; her cherished grandchildren, Michael Benzo Norman and his wife Katherine “Katie” D’Harlingue of Oakland, CA, David Benzo Norman of San Francisco, CA, Elizabeth Lawrence of Omaha, NE, and Susan Hosack and her husband Todd Countryman of Cheektowaga, NY; and her great-granddaughter Liliana Isabel Norman. She is also survived by her loving and devoted nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law Frances Benzo, her extended family: the Norman-Triest, Norman-Borromeo, and Adams families, and many special friends. She will be especially missed by her niece, Catherine Loreti, who phoned her every Thursday evening for more than six years, and by her niece, Eileen Benzo, with whom she was very close. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Camillo A. Benzo; her siblings and their spouses, Michael and Bertha Massago, Rocco and Betty Massago, Anna Carucci, Christina and Walter Karpinski, Theresa and Frank Loreti, Carmella Massago, Rose and John Fellone, and Josephine and Anthony “Tony” Benzo, Sr.; her in-laws Joseph Benzo, Daniel Benzo, Rocco and Grace Benzo, Pasquale “Pat” Benzo, and several cherished nieces and nephews, including her nephew Daniel “Dan” Benzo who was like a son to her. Her family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Bancroft Convalescent Hospital, San Leandro, CA for the outstanding care and support they gave to Antoinette. In addition, her family would like to thank the nursing and professional staff at San Leandro Hospital and Dr. Steven Rosenthal, for the care and compassion rendered to Antoinette. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 2:00-5:00 PM at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Antoinette’s memory to Saint Leander Catholic Church, 550 West Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577 or to the Charles T. Sitrin Rehabilitation Center, 2050 Tilden Avenue, New Hartford, NY 13413; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Antoinette’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning, October 15 at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Antoinette A. (Massago) Benzo

February 3, 1918 - September 8, 2012