Leonard A. Benedetto

Mr. Leonard A. "Lenny" Benedetto, age 84, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2007, with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on February 18, 1922, Leonard was the son of the late Leonard M. and Theresa M. (Fanelli) Benedetto. Raised and educated in Utica, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. A proud U.S. Marine, he participated in the action at Iwo Jima and the Asian Pacific areas and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts. He lived by the motto “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”. It was in St. Agnes Church on April 15, 1944 that Rev. Luke V. Galliger officiated his marriage to the former Yolanda Viti. He was blessed with a wonderful wife and their relationship was based on their trust, commitment, and loyalty to each other. He and his brothers co-owned and operated Merchants Delivery Service which was affiliated with the Boston Store. Prior to his retirement, he became the manager of the Receiving Department of the Boston Store. The community also knew of Len’s association with the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., as he appreciated the later part of his working years. Lenny’s greatest virtues were his loyalty and humility. His wife was his priority in life, and his family life his greatest focus. He was always supportive, and was a great example to his children. He was humbly proud of his grandchildren who respected him to the very end. His camp at Sylvan Beach was a source of meaningful family gatherings. He was also known as a "Mr. Fix-It." As a patriotic citizen, he was a member of several civic, social, and military groups. With a devotion to his Catholic faith, he volunteered as an usher and served as a Eucharistic Minister at his home parish of Blessed Sacrament Church. He was more recently a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Lenny is survived by his loving wife, Yo; his daughter and son-in-law, Lenora Ann and Thomas Trevisani of Utica; and his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Rose Benedetto of the Town of Russia. Also surviving are his adored grandchildren, Nicole and Steven Mauro, Michael and Kim Benedetto, Joseph and Jennifer Trevisani, Brigitt and Johnny Lavigne, Marco and Nicole Benedetto, Anne Marie Trevisani, Catherine and Patrick Masters, and Paul Hafenecker; his 11 great-grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, George J. and Mary Benedetto of Utica; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and godchildren; and his in-laws, Carmella and Anthony Rosato of Whitesboro, and Victor and Dorothy Viti of Florida. Lenny was also blessed with many beloved friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Antoinette Benedetto; his brother and sister-in-law, Angelo J. and Norma Benedetto; his nephews, Leonard Michael Benedetto, James “Jamie” Benedetto, Robert Benedetto and Kenneth Ciaiola; and his in-laws, Guy L., Sr. and Rosalind Viti, and Antoinette and Daniel Ciaiola. Heartfelt thanks are extended to the nurses and aides at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center 3rd floor, the loving caregivers of the St. Joseph Nursing Home, as well as all who were affiliated with Lenny’s care. They all provided him and his family with outstanding and loving regard. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The D.A.V. Stars & Stripes will assemble at the funeral home at 4:30 for ritualistic services. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lenny’s Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated with US Marine Military Honors on Monday morning at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at Mt. Carmel Church. He will be placed to rest at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Leonard A. Benedetto

February 18, 1922 - February 1, 2007