NEW PALTZ – Thomas P. Benenati, 78, of New Paltz, a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Friday morning, Dec. 4, 2009 at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh after a long and enjoyable life. He courageously continued to enjoy life after experiencing significant health problems over the last few years.
Tom was born on June 29, 1931 at Chenango Memorial Hospital, Norwich. He was the son of Frank and Catherine Paino Benenati. After graduating from Norwich High School in 1949, he attended the State University of New York at Albany where he met his wife Vivian. In addition to graduating from the University at Albany with a B.A. in Secondary Education he also received his Master of Arts Degree, Permanent Certification in Guidance and Permanent Certification as a Secondary Principal.
On July 6, 1957 he married Vivian Schiro at St. Joseph’s Church, New Paltz, and on July 6, 2007 they joyfully celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
In addition to Vivian, his wife of 52 years, he is survived by his sons Brigadier General Paul Benenati of Richmond, Va.; Michael and his wife Lynette Benenati of New Paltz; and daughter Barbara McCutcheon & her husband Sean of Clintondale; and his loving grandchildren Connor McCutcheon, Michael (MJ) Benenati, Jr., Tyler Benenati, Catherine (Katie) McCutcheon, Hannah Benenati & Candace McCutcheon; siblings Rosalie Benenati Rodiquenzi of Warwick and Frank Benenati of Norwich, and several nieces and nephews. Tom and Vivian also have countless close friends whom they consider family.
He served in the United States Army from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1956 at Fort Dix, N.J.; Fort Lee, Va.; Salzburg, Austria; and Vicenza, Italy. In 1996 he became a member of the American Legion Post 176, New Paltz and shortly thereafter became the Boys’ State Chairman.
His professional career included teaching Science at Berne-Knox Central School and Highland High School. In 1960 he became the Director of Guidance at the New Paltz High School until 1967 when he served for five years as the Principal of the New Paltz Middle School before returning to his previous position. He remained the Director of Guidance at the New Paltz High School until his retirement in 1989.
He was a current member of the New York State United Teachers, New Paltz United Teachers, New York State Retired Teachers Association, Paltz Club (where he served as President in 1997 & 1998), The Italian Center, Member of the Board of Directors of South Eastern Ulster County YMCA and was a Life Member of the New Paltz Fire Department.
Tom served on the Town Board, Town of New Paltz as a Councilperson from 1986-1993; serving three years as Deputy Supervisor. His other activities included announcing at New Paltz sporting events as “The Voice of the Huguenots,” serving on the Elting Memorial Library Board, Chairman of the Library Fair, St. Joseph’s R.C. Parish Council, Boy Scout Troop 172 Chairman, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Italian Center Dr. Bacile Scholarship, Member of the New Paltz Jaycees where he served as President 1959-1960, and Member of the New Paltz-Highland Rotary Club.
Tom loved his family and his community. He had the opportunity to travel extensively visiting the vast United States and the countries of: England, France, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Morocco, France, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, British Columbia, Puerto Rico, Tortola, Guadeloupe, Barbados, St. Lucia, Isla de Margarita, Bonaire and Grand Cayman.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Copeland Funeral Home, 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in New Paltz.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, 34 S. Chestnut Street, New Paltz, NY 12561, or New Paltz Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 594, New Paltz, NY 12561.