Mary D. Benvenuti

Age 85, of Shaler Twp., passed away on Monday January 27th, 2025.

Mary was born in Pittsburgh, PA on February 2nd, 1939. She grew up in the city with her mother Lena, father Joseph and her two older sisters Sylvia and Nellie. She attended Fifth Avenue High School and later had a long successful career with the Allegheny County Criminal Court System.

Mary was fiercely loyal and protective of her family and friends and was never afraid to speak her mind. She was tough, colorful and hardworking. She loved family dinners, lunch with her friends and Friday night poker. She brought a lot of life and laughter to everything, from her famous singing at birthday parties to her iconic sayings and delicious Italian cookies. Mary was also a huge animal lover. Sometimes it felt like she liked animals more than people. She made sure to spoil all of her furry great grand dogs.

Mary is survived by her caring and devoted daughter Cathy McCracken (Rosco); her four grandchildren and their spouses: Jimmy Langdon (Heather), Joseph W. Merlino Jr. (Alicia), Lena Boyza (Michael W.) and Nicholas Merlino (Jamie); loving niece Claudia Bertoni (Dan); lifelong friends: The Peluso family and dear friends Big Jim and Char and the Hollerich family.

Mary is preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Anita Merlino; son-in-law Joseph W. Merlino Sr.; lifelong friend Diane Peluso; sisters Sylvia Donatelli and Nellie DeRiso; parents Lena and Joseph Benvenuti.

Mary was a strong, independent, loving woman who left her mark on all that she met in life. She was the corner stone of her proud Italian family and lived an accomplished life full of love, resilience, laughter and passion. She will be greatly missed.

Friends and family will be received Thursday, January 30, 2025, 3pm – 7pm at Perman Funeral Home, 923 Saxonburg Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15223. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday January 31, 2025, 10am at St. Stanislaus Kostka R. C. Church, 57 21st St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

The family respectfully suggests donations be made to The Animal Friends of Pittsburgh or The University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.