Joseph A. Benamati Sr.

MECHANICVILLE Joseph A. Benamati Sr., 76, of South Third Avenue, died suddenly Saturday at his residence after being stricken. A native and lifelong resident of Mechanicville, he was born July 14, 1926, son of the late Romeo and Rose Izzo Benamati. Mr. Benamati was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, serving aboard the USS Melucta AK-131 in the Pacific Theater of Operations. A car inspector for 43 years with the Delaware and Hudson Railroad in Mechanicville, he retired in 1986. Later, Mr. Benamati worked at Country Liquor of Halfmoon for a number of years. He had also been a manager for the former Super 50 Drive-In of Ballston Spa for some time. He was a former member of the Sons of Italy of Mechanicville, an active member of the Peters-Purcell Italian American War Veterans of Mechanicville, the Catholic Action League of the Capital District and a faithful member of the Assumption-St. Paul Church in Mechanicville and the church's choir for years. A quiet and peaceful man, Joe above all else, enjoyed the love and affection of his family and friends. His wife of 49 years, Theresa Perretta Benamati, died December 21, 1997. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Joseph A. and Teresa Benamati Jr. of Stillwater, daughter and son-in-law, Claudia and Victor Giulianelli of Amsterdam; grandchildren, Autumn Cardente, Keteri, Mikal and Leigh Benamati, Matthew and Brigitta Giulianelli; and a great-granddaughter, Isabella Cardente. Also two brothers, Louis (Frances) Benamati of Mechanicville, David (Theresa) Benamati of Cohoes; and two sisters, Florence (Tony) Pucci of Mechanicville and Rita Parisi of Waterford along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Benamati. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Assumption-St. Paul William St. Church. Burial in St. Paul's Cemetery. Calling hours at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville on Monday from 4-8 p.m. Memorial contributions to the John Ahearn Rescue Squad, PO Box 669, Mechanicville, 12118.