Obituary of Mary J. Benedetto

Mary Jane Benedetto, 83, of Rome, passed away with her family by her side on July 8, 2024. She was born on February 20, 1941, in Rome, N.Y., a daughter of the late John and Josephine Puccio, the youngest of eight children. Mary Jane was a graduate of Rome Free Academy. On May 23, 1964, she was united in marriage to the love of her life Michael Benedetto at St John the Baptist Church of Rome. She was employed by the Rome School District and Rome Memorial Hospital where she retired.

Mary Jane will be remembered by her love of family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who cherished her family above all else. Mary Jane’s love for family was obvious in every moment they spent together. Sunday dinners were a staple of her desire to have family close to her as it gave her so much happiness. She was an amazing cook and baker, and her recipes were cherished and passed down through generations and will forever remind us of her love and nurturing spirit in the kitchen.

Michael was the love of her life and together they built a home filled with love and cherished memories. Their love for each other is an example of strength and stability, a testament to enduring love that weathered life’s challenges with grace and dignity.

Mary Jane was an active member of the Marian Guild at St. John the Baptist Church. She enjoyed card club, traveling with close friends and shopping.

Mary Jane is survived by her beloved husband, Michael; three daughters and their spouses: Lisa (Kyle) Kimmel, Margaret (David) Viscomi and Michele (Timothy) Benedetto-Hickey; five cherished grandchildren, Nicole (Matt), Alexandra (Jeff), Danielle, Hayley, and Brandan and two cherished great grandchildren Owen and Ethan. She is also survived by a very special sister-in-law Rita Moore and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her cherished granddaughter Ashley, sisters, Connie Guido, Katherine Lorusso, Carmella Grasso, Lucille Bevelaqua, Teresa Spinelli and brothers Joseph Puccio and Syl Puccio. She was preceded in death by Al and Grace Nardslico, two of her lifelong, most cherished friends.

Her family would like to thank the staff on the Erie Household at the Masonic Care Community for the love, compassion and care of Mary during the time she was a resident courageously battling a difficult illness.

Calling hour will be held from 1 PM to 2 PM at the Church of St. John the Baptist in Rome, NY, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, with a funeral mass to follow at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital (www.stjude.org) in memory of Mary Jane.

Arrangements by Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome.