Benfatto, Yolanda CATSKILL Yolanda Benfatto, 98, of Catskill, died peacefully at Columbia Memorial Hospital on Monday, August 25, 2014. She was born on April 22, 1916 in Brooklyn to the late Albert and Amelia Guglielmo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rocco and cherished sister, Doris Calcagno. Yolanda is survived by her son, Paul Benfatto (Shelley A. Bower) of Catskill; daughter, Linda Benfatto Sanchez (Francisco) of Clifton Park; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Claire Benfatto of Natick Mass, and brother-in-law Charles Calcagno of South Cairo; as well as much-loved nieces and nephews in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, Florida and New Mexico. Although Yolanda entered school not speaking a word of English, through her intelligence and perseverance she graduated as the salutatorian of the Catskill High School class of 1934. She worked for many years as an aide in the Grandview Elementary School library, where she made a lasting impression on generations of students with her kindness and concern for all. Yolanda was a woman of prayer, an avid reader, a dedicated gardener and walker and a true and faithful friend. She will be missed by many. Calling hours will be from 5- 9 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at the Traver and McCurry Funeral Home, located at 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at the Chapel of St. Patrick, located on the corner of Spring and William Street, Catskill. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, located in Jefferson Heights, Catskill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Patrick's homebound communion program in Catskill or the American Cancer Society.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Aug. 27, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Yolanda Benfatto

4 Entries

Bruce and Irene Cameron

August 28, 2022

How quickly time passes!, Eventhough I lost Yola, my second Mom, on 8/25/ 2014, I know she and my Mom are happy that Linda and I continue to take good care of each other It was a promise each of us made to our mothers. xxooxxoo Irene

Bruce and Irene

August 24, 2021

Seven Years have passed and I still find myself wanting to share news and lots of giggles with my "second mom." But I am so happy to have followed her advice (most of the time) and the promise I made to her as she always said about Linda and me- " Remember to always take care of each other." And so it has been since September 1966 when Linda and I met as college Freshmen. Yola is now in heaven keeping a close eye on all of us who she loved. And I know that she and my Mom still are shaking their heads often as Linda and I follow our life paths. xxoo Your Second Daughter, Irene

Irene Hillman-Cameron

August 27, 2014

Yola was a second mother to me. Although I lost my Mom when I was 26, Yola was always a comfort to me. She always used to tell me: " Although we live far apart, you are always in my heart." Rest in Peace my Second Mom.
I love you.

Mary Emerson

August 27, 2014

Dear Linda...I feel like I knew your mother...you spoke of her so often with humor and wisdom. What a wonderful long life! Think of you often and miss our daily chats. Wishing you all the best

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