FISHKILL - Frances S. Benfari, 92, a resident of Fishkill since 1998, entered into Eternal Life on November 11, 2024. She previously resided in Ozone Park, Queens for over 30 years.
Frances was a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister. Her family meant the world to her, and she was happiest when surrounded by them. Family dinners, especially holiday dinners, were very special to her. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing Italian food for her family. She was well known for her Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes which she lovingly prepared until she was in her 80's. She was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and loved them with all of her heart.
Frances was born in Brooklyn on October 27, 1932, and was the daughter of the late Gaspari and Anna (Como) Diliberti. She was employed as a bookkeeper for Tuscan Dairy in Queens until her retirement in the late 1990's. Previously she was a statistician for the American Carpet Institute in Manhattan. She also helped at the family business, Benfari Department Store, on Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn.
A devoted Catholic, Frances was a parishioner at St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction. She prayed the rosary daily and spent hours praying for family and friends. She was an avid NY Yankees fan who cheered them on whether they won or lost. She enjoyed playing "Words with Friends" online and listening to Frank Sinatra. During her time in Fishkill she and her closest friends shared many dinners, Masses at Saint Columba, shopping trips, and glasses of wine. Frances, along with Estelle, Lillian, and Mary were often called the "Golden Girls" when they were out and about together. They were often recognized for their appearance on an episode of "My Grandmother's Ravioli" on the Food Network with Mo Rocca.
On July 15, 1962 in Ozone Park, New York, Frances married Saverio Benfari who predeceased her in 1990. She is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Mary and Franklin P. Reese III of Lebanon, NJ and Anna and Orazio Forlenza of Hopewell Junction; her grandchildren, Donato, Patrick, Katherine and her husband Dylan, Dominick, Gregory, and David; her siblings, Sr. Anne Elizabeth Diliberti, OP, Josephine Mirando and her husband Michael, Libori Diliberti and his wife Susan, and Mary Bisconti and her husband Anthony; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 4 to 7 PM at McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday , November 16, 2024 at 9:30 AM at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by burial at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale, Long Island.
Please visit her Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.