Anthony R. Benenati

Anthony R. Benenati, age 70, passed away at
Overlook Hospital on October 2, surrounded by
family and friends. Born in Newark, New
Jersey in 1951 to Angelo and Dominica
Benenati and raised in Nutley, New Jersey. He is
survived by his loving wife Mary of 46 years,
his brother Vincent, brother and sister in law
Mike and Shirley Hayeck, "sister" Denise, niece
Melissa, nephews Vincent and Ella, Michael and
Nicole and Brian and Jen, along with great niece
and great nephews Lexie, Nicholas, Michael, Emily, Matthew,
Vincent, and Luciano, and his two fur babies,
Fredo and Santino along with many other
friends and family members.
Anthony loved spending summers in Ortley
Beach where he had many friends and family.
He enjoyed going to car shows and socializing
with the many friends he met there. One of his
pride and joys was his Corvette which he loved
driving around town. He was a union carpenter
for 50 years out of the Essex County Local. He
was dearly loved and appreciated by his devoted
family and friends. He dedicated his life to
helping others; it gave him joy and meaning.
His passion was seeing his family and friends
happy and he touched the lives of everyone he
met.
Friends and family are invited to attend a
celebration of his life at Gray Funeral Home, 12
Springfield Ave, Cranford, New Jersey on
Wednesday October 6 between 8:00-9:15 AM.
Mass will follow at 9:30 AM at St. Michael's
Church, 40 Alden Street, Cranford, New Jersey.
Please go to www.grayfuneralhomes.com to
offer condolences. In lieu of flowers the family
welcomes donations to St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place,
Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.