Salvatore Benanti

Salvatore P. "Sam" Benanti Salvatore P. (Sam) Benanti Sr. passed away early Monday morning June 2, 2025, at his home in New Egypt with his loving family by his side. He was born in New Brunswick to Phillip and Clara (Bascelli) Benanti and raised in Franklin Township. He resided in North Brunswick with his loving wife Rosemarie and together they raised their family of five children there. They relocated to New Egypt in 2024.
Mr. Benanti was a New Brunswick High School graduate; Class of 1955 and attended the University of Cincinnati in a work-study program.
Mr. Benanti was employed by PSE&G in New Brunswick and Somerset and retired as a Senior Plant Engineer after thirty-eight years of service to the company. Sam also served as Treasurer for the PSE Federal Credit Union for many years. Having first been a carpenter by trade, Sam was skilled in his craft and was often called upon by countless family and friends to help with home improvements, remodels, additions and more. He was a devoted life-long parishioner of St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church in New Brunswick. He served the parish as a lector for over 45 years and was the last surviving member of the Holy Name Society. Sam was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus having served in the Msgr. Pasquale Mugnano K of C Council No. 6572 for several years in the capacity of Financial Secretary and Grand Knight. He later transferred to Our Lady of Peace Council No. 11378 in North Brunswick. Sam was also a Fourth Degree Knight with the Msgr. O'Grady Assembly No.664 and served as Faithful Navigator in 2015.
Sam was a member of the North Brunswick Italian American Social Club and volunteered his time as a former treasurer; and served tirelessly on the Italian Carnavale and the club's Annual Spaghetti Dinner. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and a Giants fan. Sam also enjoyed bowling and participated in local bowling leagues.
Sam's generous heart had no limits. With Godly love and patience, he shared his knowledge, time, and resources to anyone with whom he interacted, whether it be family, friends, co-workers, fellow parishioners, K of C brothers, and neighbors. In his neighborhood he was often called "Good Neighbor Sam" because after snowstorms, with his faithful snowblower he would clear driveways, much to the surprise and delight of his neighbors. As a former member of the Brookside Swim Club, he devoted years, weekends, and hours working hard to prepare for the club's Opening Day. He played an integral part in the design and building of the pavilion. Sam had an amazing mind for mathematics and served as a tutor when called upon for help.
Sam loved and cherished his family. He always looked forward to the holidays, especially Christmas Eve when he invited "Santa" to join us. The joyful looks on the faces of the grandkids made the efforts worthwhile. His absolute favorite were the annual family vacations in Wildwood Crest where all would gather for not only "fun in the sun" but also the breakfast and dinner outings. He was a true inspiration and role model; his children are a testament to the beautiful way he lived his life. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Phillip and Clara Benanti and his brother Phillip L. Benanti; his father-in-law Dominic and mother-in-law Agnes Sidotti. Mr. Benanti is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Rosemarie (Sidotti) Benanti. He is also survived by their beloved children, Dr. Sandra Rose Benanti and her husband Lovey Williams; Theresa Ann Benanti-Veltre and her husband Victor Jr.; Salvatore P. Benanti Jr. and his wife Wendy; Anthony Benanti Sr., and Krista Benanti-Ruperto and her husband Charles; his brother Dr. John Benanti and his wife Linda, his sister Patricia Vogel and her husband Roger, his brother-in-law Philip F. Sidotti and sister-in-law Fran (Sidotti) Marrone and her husband, Richard. He is also survived by his cherished thirteen grandchildren, Kimberly Weisenberg and her husband Jason; Victor C. Veltre III and his wife Rachael; Caitlin Quagliata, Dominick Quagliata and his wife Elizabeth; Eric A. Veltre and his wife Lauren, Cara Quagliata, Alyssa Benanti, Anthony Benanti, Jr. and his wife Symantha; Gianna Benanti, Marissa Ruperto, Matthew S. Benanti, Samantha Ruperto, and Isabella Benanti; his eight great-grandchildren, Everett, Jasiah, Talia, Finley, Zaylin, Cole, Ellie and Reese. He is also survived by loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Monday June 9, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at GLEASON FUNERAL HOME OF NORTH BRUNSWICK 555 Georges Road in North Brunswick. Funeral services will begin on Tuesday June 10, 2025, at 9:45 AM at the funeral home followed by a 10:30 AM funeral mass at St. Mary Mount Virgin Church in New Brunswick. Committal services will follow at Franklin Memorial Park in North Brunswick. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in Mr. Benanti's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org or The Shriner's Hospital at www.shrinerschildrens.org