Thomas R. Bengimina

Thomas R. "Tom" Bengimina, 70, Kansas City, MO, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2003, at Liberty Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, September 29, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 911 E. Missouri Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-9 p.m. Sunday at Passantino Bros. Chapel, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124, where the Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Diabetes Association. A lifelong resident of Kansas City, MO, Tom was born May 28, 1933 to Charles and Jennie Bengimina. He grew up in the Historic Northeast district of the city and was a pillar of the Italian community. He was a 1950 graduate of Manuel High School. In April 1958, Tom married Clotilda "Tillie" Ribaste. Tom and Tillie shared 45 dynamite years together. Also in 1958, Tom an entrepreneur at heart, founded KCMK 93.3, the first FM radio station in the Kansas City area. He was co-owner of B&G Amusement and Vending Co. for over 40 years. Later in his life Tom was a political consultant, and the best matre'd Garozzo's Restaurant ever had. Tom served as president of the American Sons of Columbus, and was recipient of the Columbian of the Year award in 1985. He served as president of the Greater Kansas City Tobacco Roundtable, and the America Music Operators Association. Tom was also a member of the Professional Business Men's Club of St. Louis, MO, and was a former member of Holy Rosary Parish and St. Patrick's Parish. Tom's greatest accomplishment is his family. In addition to his loving Tillie, Tom is survived by six children, Joanna Shawver and husband, Kirk, Andrea Bengimina, Charles Bengimina and Amy Bengimina, Pete Bengimina and wife, Tonia, John Bengimina of Las Vegas, NV, Teresa Bengimina-Porrello and Joe Porrello; eight grandchildren, Tommy, Samantha, Carly, Mikaela, Anthony, Nicholas, Giovanna, and Angelo; brothers-in-law, John Ribaste and wife, Frances, Louis Ribaste; and his "brother and sister," Leo and Anna Marie Failoni. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and too many friends to list. Tom spent the last ten years of his life courageously adjusting to the challenges of a debilitating stroke. When the odds were stacked against him, he always managed to find a way to make the best of everything. He brought many years of joy and happiness to all he touched. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter and his family encourages all who knew him to do the same. The family would like to express their thanks to the many caregivers who looked after Tom these past ten years and the many friends that shared his life. (Arrangements: Passantino Bros. Funeral Home (816) 471-2844)