Fortunata Nadine "Deanne Ceravolo" Bender

Canandaigua – Fortunata Nadine "Deanne" (Ceravolo) Bender, age 95, passed away peacefully, on Monday, August 11, 2025. She is survived by two children, Michael A. Bender and Karen A. Bender (Gary Livent); two grandchildren, Christopher T. Bender and Elizabeth C. Sweeney; brother, Anthony J. Ceravolo; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Allyn Bender; daughter, Fran Marie Fox; sister and brother-in-law, Angie and John Castell; two brothers, Samuel and Vincent Ceravolo; and son-in-law, Jeffrey Fox.

Fortunata was born in Canandaigua and was the daughter of Vincenzo and Mary (Bovenza) Ceravolo. After graduating from Manchester High School, she was employed at the VA Medical Center for 38 years, retiring from the Personnel Department in December of 1985. Fortunata and her husband spent many years wintering in Fort Myers, Florida. She was a member of the Centerfield Homemakers and a lifelong member of St. Mary's Church. She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, golf, reading and spending time with her family.

Friends may call Monday, August 18, from 3-6 pm, at Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., 47 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Her funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, August 19, at 11 am, at St. Mary's Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Benedict Parish, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424 or Light Hill (comfort care home), 5160 Parrish St., Ext., Canandaigua, NY 14424. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.