Ms. Betty Jane Bendino

UTICA – Ms. Betty Jane Bendino, age 97, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on November 20, 1928, Betty was the daughter of the late Frank P. and Anna C. (Contento) Bendino. She was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School, after which she earned her hairdressing license and practiced at the Elite Salon on Bleecker St. An entrepreneur, she later owned and operated her own Betty’s Beauty Shop on Mary St. until her retirement. Above all else, Betty was family-oriented. She dearly loved her nieces and nephews and gladly took on the role of a second mother to them. Her world truly revolved around her loved ones. She always looked forward to family gatherings at the Verona Beach summer home. She also enjoyed many lovely family trips to Florida and Disney World. She loved shopping with her sisters and forged many cherished memories on their excursions. Betty was an avid reader right up until her passing. She was also talented at knitting and crocheting, making exquisite Afghans for all the members of her family. In addition, she collected lovely elephant figurines and simply adored them. Throughout her life, she was a very spiritual and devoted Catholic and a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Betty is survived by her sister, Eleanor M. Leone (the late Robert R. “Bob” Leone). She fondly remembered her siblings and their spouses who preceded her, Clara A. and Angelo Papa, Sr., Marie E. Bendino, Nicholas F. and Gaetana C. “Donna” (Spina) Bendino, and Alice Bendino. She leaves her memory to be cherished by her nieces and nephews, Anna Marie Decker (the late Peter Decker), Marie and Paul Devins, Donna and Jim DeLaura; and Angelo E. Papa, Jr. and his fiancée Laura Sacco; many great-nieces and great-nephews, especially acknowledging Angelo “A.J.” Papa III and his mother Cyndi Papa; great-great-niece, Aria Rose Papa and her mother Brittani Hill; and cousins. She was additionally predeceased by her nephews, Hon. Louis F. “Louie” Papa, and Robert C. “Bobby” Leone, whom she loved as her own children. The Bendino family would like to especially thank Angie Papa, Betty’s loving “niece,” who cared for her with compassion and love. They also extend their gratitude to the entire staff of the MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, with special acknowledgement of Lisa Sepeda. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Betty’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Ms. Betty Jane Bendino

November 20, 1928 - February 24, 2026