Emma Marie Benvenuto (nee Sanzari), 98, of Norwood, NJ,passed away peacefully on December 12, 2021. Emma was born in Hackensack, NJ, where she spent her formative years until she met and married the love of her life, US Army World War II hero and Purple Heart recipient, Louis Benvenuto. It was a love story that blossomed, with the birth of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, and lasted until his passing in 2013. Emma will be remembered for her welcoming smile, kindness, generosity, wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh. Her distinctive voice echoed beautifully when she sung in church, but it was her soothing, sweet speaking voice that was her signature when she became a long-distance telephone operator for AT&T, where she worked for 40 years.
Ever the good cook, she invited as many people who could fit around her large kitchen table, or who could squeeze around it,to enjoy the tempting meals she presented. She touched the lives of all who knew her and was too humble to notice what a positive force she was.
Emma was predeceased by her parents, Angelo and Rachele Sanzari; brothers Michael Sanzari, Albert Angelo Sanzari and Albino Sanzari; sisters Rose Leone, Violet Westermeyer, Jennie Piazza and Margaret Licastro. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who loved her very much.
She will be greatly missed by her children, Jennifer Diceglie, Rochelle Benvenuto, Beverly Borzone and Patrick Benvenuto.Also beloved by Emma were her grandchildren, Christopher and Jamie Diceglie, Danielle and Patrick Benvenuto, Patrick Ryan and Louie Borzone, and great-grandchild Zoe Page.
She will also be missed by Cody, her beloved Maltese, who reveled in her hugs and kisses.
Visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 17, at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale. Entombment to follow at Garden of Memories, Washington Township, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family would deeply appreciate donations to the Norwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 453 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 07648.
On behalf of myself and of the Norwood Senior Citizens Club, please accept our sincere condolences . Emma was a past member of the Norwood Senior Citizens Club for many years . May she rest in peace.