Joseph A. Benenati, 84, a 60-year Dutchess County, NY resident, died on January 21, 2022 at Vassar Brothers Hospital.

Born on June 2, 1937 in the Bronx, NY, he was the son of Angelo and Josephine Monte Benenati. He grew up in Queens, NY, attended Power Memorial High School and St. John's University. He enjoyed playing basketball and handball. Joe graduated from St. John's with a BS in Chemistry. After graduation, he served in the US Military as a Military Policeman. His first jobs were at Sperry Rand and High Temp Wires on Long Island where he was employed until 1962. During that time, he married the love of his life, Joan M. Cowley, on December 31, 1960. They moved to Dutchess County NY in 1962 when he began working for IBM.

Joe had a long and industrious career at IBM in the field of Microelectronics. He began as an engineer and quickly moved into many roles including management. He worked in several locations including East Fishkill, Yorktown, and Danbury. Joe was considered a subject matter expert within IBM where he not only contributed to the many technical successes of the company, but he also was granted many patents. When Joe retired in 2001, he was still a major contributor and a Senior Technical Staff Member.

Joe enjoyed fishing and watching sports; particularly watching St John's basketball, Yankees baseball and professional tennis. In addition, he also loved attending his grandchildren's sports and activities. Joe took great pleasure in his daughters' athletic activities. He volunteered as a line judge for the St. Columba Dolphins. He also coached in a variety of roles, including as head coach for his daughters' softball teams in East Fishkill.

Joe was the proud father of three daughters: Christine Harney and husband Sean, Lauren Wagner and husband Andrew, and Joanne Belmonte and husband Vito. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Connor Harney, Christopher Harney, Andreas Wagner, Alexandra Wagner, Sarah Wagner, Nicolas Belmonte, and Ryan Belmonte; and two great grandchildren: Atlas and Indiana Harney, and his niece Maureen Tosto. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Grace Benenati Sciacca.

Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Foundation at Parkinson.org or the Cold Agglutinin Disease Foundation at coldagglutinindisease.org.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 11am at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery. Arrangements are under the directions of McHoul Funeral Home, Hopewell Junction, NY.