George J. Benedetto

Mr. George J. Benedetto, age 91, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of his family. Born in Utica on August 30, 1916, George was the son of the late Leonard M. and Theresa (Fanelli) Benedetto. He was raised and educated in Utica and was a 1934 graduate of Utica Free Academy. A veteran of World War II, he proudly served his country in the U. S. Army stationed in the European Theater of Operations. On May 20, 1946 he married the former Mary T. Cuda with whom he recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. The couple truly loved each other and sacrificed for the needs of their family; they were grateful for the graces and blessings of growing old together. George’s working career began and concluded with the “legendary” Boston Store in downtown Utica. He started in the shipping department and advanced to superintendent of non-retail services of the store, and he retired upon the closing of the establishment. George and his late brothers co-owned and operated Merchants Delivery Service which was affiliated with the Boston Store. A dependable man, he could be counted on to help those in need. In retrospect, he felt that his was “a wonderful life” filled with great values and much happiness. He was a man who valued the relationships of his family, and gathering with them for the holidays was an important tradition that he nurtured and preserved. One of George’s passions in life was vegetable gardening and he was famous for his ‘homegrown tomatoes’. He was also a masterful wine maker, the fruits of both he shared so generously. In his younger days he was an enthusiastic hunter. As an avid reader, he kept up with current events and enjoyed watching sporting events on television. He was a member of the American Legion Post #229 and a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. George is survived by his devoted wife, Mary; and his daughter and son-in-law, Theresa M. and Dr. Sam Pennise of Hammondsport, NY. Always close to his heart was the memory of his son, Leonard M. Benedetto who preceded him in death. Survivors also include his grandchildren, Andrew and Patricia Pennise of Oneida, Timothy and Genevieve Pennise of Chicago, and Jennifer and James Kruger of Pennfield, NY; his great-grandchildren, Patrick, Sarah, and Matthew Pennise; and Ella Theresa Kruger; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Yolanda Benedetto, Fannie Flint, Flora Plano, and Gloria and Casper Vassallo. He was predeceased by his sister, Antoinette S. Benedetto; his brothers and sister-in-law, Angelo J. and Norma Benedetto, and Leonard A. Benedetto; his nephews, James “Jamie” Benedetto, and Robert J. Benedetto; and his in-laws, Charles J. and Nancy Cuda, Anthony Cuda, Frank Flint, and Carl Plano. The family extends appreciation for the kindness and outstanding care offered by the staffs of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center. In keeping with George's wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John's Church with Military Honors. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Historic Old St. John’s Food Pantry; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave.

George J. Benedetto

August 30, 1916 - May 31, 2008