Marie R. (DiStaola) Benvenga

Mrs. Marie R. (DiStaola) Benvenga, age 83, of Utica, passed away on Friday, August 24, 2012 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of her family. Marie was born in Utica on January 12, 1929, the daughter of the late Henry and Celeste (LaRocco) DiStaola. Raised and educated locally, she was a 1947 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On September 13, 1952 in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church she married Frank T. Benvenga with whom she shared nearly 60 years in a life filled with much love, respect and many fond occasions. Marie worked in her career as a steno-operator at the former Utica Mutual Insurance Company for a few years until the blessings of her children. Marie was a benevolent person who always looked after those she loved. She was driven by her devotion to her family and treasured her lifetime of memories. On May 10, 1970 Marie was awarded Honorable Mention for Mother-of-the-Year. She also held a great compassion and sense of support for her fellow man, and for many years, until her illness impeded her, she collected for many charitable organizations. She particularly pledged to auspices for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She was proud of her Italian heritage, was a member of the New York Mills Senior Center, and enjoyed her sisterhood and role of President in the sorority Omega Psi Phi. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Marie is survived by her husband, Frank; her daughter, Diane Cassidy of Dutchess County and David Rodrigues; her son and daughter-in-law, Frank Thomas Benvenga Jr. and his wife Michelle of Maryland; her grandchildren, Jason Nash, Jeremy Nash, and Jill Benvenga; and her great-grandchildren, Julia Faye, Jason Jr., Jacob Douglas, and Joseph Daniel. In addition, she leaves several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, god children, Stacy Ferguson, Michael Corasanti, and David Boris, and many dear and cherished friends. The family extends sincere thanks to Marie’s close friends and the nurses and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially Marybeth Dowling, RN, for all the care shown to Marie and Frank. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Marie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence Tuesday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Marie R. (DiStaola) Benvenga

January 12, 1929 - August 24, 2012