Mary Bennardo

Mary Milly Bennardo VIRGINIA BEACH - Mary Milly Bennardo, 81, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Oct. 26, 2009. Born May 16, 1928 on Crater Road in Petersburg, Va., she was the wife of her cherished husband of almost 60 years, Gasper (Ty) Bennardo and the daughter of the late George and Florence Zaruba Milly. She retired from civil service after 24 years from Naval Station Norfolk as CO's secretary. During this time, she received many awards. Among the most prized was the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award. She also received many citations for work done for the United Way. She continued to work as an Avon representative and so thoroughly enjoyed and loved the many friends made, as well as consistently making the yearly Presidential Club achievement award. She also worked as a reporter in Petersburg, Va. She is survived by her adored daughter, Kathy Harrison and her dear husband Tim Harrison of Virginia Beach; her beloved son, Philip Bennardo and wife RoseAnn of Merritt Island, Fla., and beloved son, Mark Bennardo of Woodbridge, Va.; precious grandchildren, Kristina and Natalie Harrison and Andrew and Angela Bennardo; her brother, John Milly of Huntsville, Ala.; brother-in-law, Richard Bennardo of Manahawkin, N.J., and wife Mary, and sister-in- law, Georgia Milly of Frederick, Md. She was predeceased by a brother, George Milly. Mary had been a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church on Little Neck Road since its very beginning. Services will be held there Saturday at 11 a.m. The burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. To my family whom I love with all my heart and soul, and to my dear, loving friends I leave these few words: "Life is a beautiful experience, do not grieve too much. There is more than we know to come." Love and be patient with one another! Condolences may be offered to the family at www. hollomon-brown.com.