Joseph Benvenuto, 84; U.S. Army Veteran, Retired Old Greenwich Mail Carrier

Joseph G. Benvenuto, 84, of Greenwich, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014.

He was born March 20, 1929, a son of the late Umile and Theresa (Chiappetta) Benvenuto.

A Greenwich native, Joe graduated from Greenwich High School in 1947, where he was an outstanding athlete. He played baseball and hockey and was Captain of the hockey team in his senior year. After graduation, he continued to be very active in local sports, playing and coaching. He managed the Hoyt Bruins in the Sr. Babe Ruth League and led them to win the town Championship in 1973. 

Joe served in the Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He was stationed in Germany, where he also played baseball. After his discharge, Joe became a mail carrier for the Old Greenwich Post Office for 32 years, retiring in 1984. He then worked at General Reinsurance from 1984 to 1994.

Joe’s biggest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Catherine “Kay” Repaci Benvenuto, whom he married on February 24th, 1957 at Sacred Heart Church in Byram. He is also survived by his son Jeff, daughter Joann, and daughter and son-in-law Jaclyn and James Ferreira. Joe also leaves behind two granddaughters Danielle Ferreira and Bridget Tucker.

Joseph was the youngest of nine children and the last surviving one. He was predeceased by his siblings were Carrie Rosa, Rose Shanter, Florence “Toot” Frey, Helen, Angie, Ralph, Peter and Vic Benvenuto. 

Friends and family will be received at Castiglione Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Ave., Greenwich on Friday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. A celebration mass will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 4 Riverside Ave., in Riverside. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one’s favorite charity.