Domenica Katherine Costanzo Benevento, 84, died peacefully on Nov. 16 at Madison House of Madison. She was the cherished wife of the late Enrico Harry Benevento for 58 years prior to his death in 2006. Domenica was born in New Haven on July 22, 1932. She was the devoted daughter of the late Vincenzo and Philomena Monaco Costanzo.
Minnie was raised in New Haven and worked in the area as a secretary and bookkeeper prior to her retirement from Caldor Inc., where she worked in retail for 20 years.
She lived in the Maplevale section of East Haven for almost 50 years before moving to Madison to reside with her son Vincent J. who was her best friend and caregiver. Minnie particularly loved spending winters in Florida with her son and son-in-law at their Tampa home. Prior to her long illness, Minnie had a passion for cooking, homemaking, television, movies, bird-watching, music, and good conversation. More than anything, Minnie loved her family, holidays, and the comforts of home. She was a devoted woman of faith and prayer. Each day began by praying one by one for each of her many loved ones, using her long list of names and special intentions. She was an original parishioner of Our Lady of Pompeii Church, where she was an active member of the Lady’s Guild, Liturgy Committee, Social Action Committee, and a prior CCD instructor. Additionally, she was an active member of both the East Haven and Madison Senior Citizen’s Association for many years. For the past eight years, she was a communicant of St. Margaret’s Church in Madison. This continued even after her entry into Madison House, where her special friend Deacon Adam Michaele would visit on a regular basis.
Minnie will be sadly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing such a beautiful woman.
She was the loving mother of Vincent J. Benevento and Enrico (Harry) Benevento of Madison. She was the beloved grandmother of five grandchildren, who are Vincent J. Jr. (Gina) Benevento of Trumbull, Dr. Sara M. (Frank) Furino of Madison, Andrew P. (Kate) Benevento of Whitestone, New York, and Laura and Mark Benevento of Madison. She was the great-grandmother of Vince Robert, Leo Ralph, and Giovanna Grace Benevento of Trumbull. She was the much-loved mother-in-law of Anthony Macchiaroli Benevento with whom she shared a very special relationship.
Minnie is also survived by two sisters, Antoinette Giannotti of West Haven and Phyllis Stefanowski of Hamden. She also leaves three brothers, Anthony (Irene) Costanzo of South Carolina, Louis (Marilyn) Costanzo of Seymour, and John (Bridget) Costanzo of Hamden. She was predeceased by two sisters, Angelina (Edward) Hile of New Haven and Camilla (Carroll) Dearborne of Westbrook. Additionally, she is also predeceased by her brother-in-law Edward Giannotti of West Haven. She was the aunt of 26 nieces and nephews. She was the longtime friend of Virginia and Vincent DiScala of Trumbull.
Her funeral procession left the Porto Funeral Home, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven. Nov. 21. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in Our Lady of Pompeii Church. Interment followed in All Saints Cemetery. Friends called Nov. 20. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation of Connecticut, 35 Cold Spring Rd. #411, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. For an online obituary or to sign Domenica’s guest book, please visit www.portofuneralhomes.net.
