IN MEMORIAM
Rev. Joseph Benintende, 72;
Pastor At St. Mary’s, Oneonta
ONEONTA – The Rev. Joseph A. Benintende, 72, a long–time pastor at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Oneonta, and other parishes in the region, died Friday, April 15, 2016, at Fox Hospital with his family at his bedside.
Father Joe was born on Nov. 27, 1943, in Brooklyn, the son of the late Michael and Betty (Beardslee) Benintende. He graduated from Epiphany Apostolic High School and then attended St. Joseph’s Seminary College in Washington, D.C. graduating from the Seminary Theology School and Biblical Study in Israel.
He was ordained on May 30, 1970, at Epiphany College, Newburgh, by Bishop John Ferns, D.D.
From 1970 to 1975, he taught social studies and was the dean of students at Epiphany Apostolic High School in Newburgh. He was then assigned as an Associate Pastor at Holy Comforter/St. Cyprian Church, Washington, D.C. in 1975-78, in 1978-80 he was the spiritual director and director of Josephite Pastoral Center at St. Joseph’s Seminary College and Theology School, 1980-1983 was assigned to St. Pius V Church, Baltimore, Md., as their pastor.
In 1983-85, he was assigned to St. Francis de Sales, West Albany and Loudonville, as associate pastor; St. Mary’s in Oneonta as associate pastor, 1985-86; St. Anthony’s, Herkimer, as pastor, 1986-92, and The Church of the Annunciation, Ilion, as pastor, 1992-2004. He the returned to Oneonta as St. Mary’s pastor until his retirement.
Father Joe was the former dean of Herkimer County Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and was a member of The Knights of Columbus of Oneonta.
Father Joe had an eloquent gift to speak. His comforting words and humble reverence touched the hearts of his parishioners and friends. He held an intense pride in his family as they were sacred to him and he loved spending time with them. Father enjoyed traveling “The World” having visited several countries including Africa, Egypt, Asia, Greece and Turkey. In his leisure time, he collected angels, taught Bible study and loved to play Mahjong and Dominos.
Father Benintende is survived by his brothers, Charles Benintende and wife Mildred of Woodbury, N.J., Michael Benintende and wife Susan of Summerfield, Fla.; his sisters, Marie Roenelt and husband Edward of Stockholm, N.J. and Izzy Caratelli and husband Casey of Bainbridge.
He is also survived by his aunts, Mabel Brucher, Rose Gargiulo, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Father Joe’s heart was touched by many, too numerous to mention, and he felt like family to his parishioners and friends and will be dearly missed by all.
Calling hours will be 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at the Courtney Funeral Home, Walton, 865-4383. In lieu of floral arrangements, please consider memorial contributions in Father Joe’s memory to St. Mary’s food pantry and/or renovation projects; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
The body will lie in state at St. Mary’s Church, Oneonta, 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, followed by vespers at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 21, St. Mary’s, with by Bishop Howard Hubbard, presiding.
Immediately following his funeral mass, a reception will be held in the church hall. Procession will then follow to Walton Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest alongside of his parents.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, Ilion, (315)894-8000 under the direction of Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, funeral directors.
