NORWICH – Wilson F. “Benny” Mercurio, 83, life-long and well-known resident of Norwich, passed away late Thursday evening, Oct. 2, 2008 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Benny was born in Norwich the son Giovanni and Mary Mercurio in June of 1925. He attended school in Norwich and was a graduate of the Norwich High School. During his school years he was a member of the safety patrol and was an excellent wrestler. On July 15, 1978 in Norwich, he married Mildred “Millie” Deeter. In his early working career Benny worked in the Norwich knitting mills and in 1976 he and Millie purchased the diner which came to be known as Benny and Millie’s Diner. The diner soon became the place to go for an early morning breakfast, a mid-day lunch or a late evening meal and the portions were always generous. If you needed or wanted lo know the local gossip or even sometimes the truth, you could always depend on the diner to provide the information. Over the years Benny and Millie have served thousands of cups of coffee and meals to people of all walks of life – from Chenango County and City of Norwich politicians, Norwich police, firemen and emergency squad personnel, Chenango County Sherrif’s Dept., local contractors, electricians, local business men and women and the average person on the street. No money, no problem – come in later to settle up. Since Benny’s illness greatly curtailed his operation of the diner, Millie still carries on the tradition.
Over the years Benny always enjoyed shooting craps, a good game of cards, playing golf, Watching sports and going to the casinos.
Benny is survived by his wife Mildred “Millie” Mercurio of Norwich; his children: Rose (Curtis) Oliver of Oxford, Cathy (Jeff) Montgomery of South New Berlin and Sara (Adam) Whaley of Norwich; his grandchildren; Leah and Olivia Oliver, Jeffrey, Zachary and Stephanie Montgomery, Alexis and Addyson Whaley, John Barrows and Andrew and Allison Everard. Also surviving are his sisters Josephine Biviano and Rose Miller of Norwich and his brothers, Sam (Betty) Mercurio and Steve Mercurio, all of Norwich. Several nieces, nephews and close friends also survive.
Benny was predeceased by his daughter Mary Everard and his sisters Carmella “Millie” Hinkley and Edith Chase.
Private graveside services for Benny will be held at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.