NORWICH – Joseph J. Benenati Jr., 97, formerly of Chenango Lake and Park Street, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, July 28, 2011 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in Norwich, NY on January 17, 1914, Joe was one of twelve children of Giuseppe and Maria (Testa) Benenati. He is survived by his sister, Mary Coe, of Norwich and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and six brothers, Guiseppe, Frank, Thomas, Anthony, Michael, and John Benenati as well as four sisters, Catherine Kennedy, Anna Houpis, Teresa Benenati, and Louise Loscavio.
Joe was a graduate of Norwich High School with the Class of 1932 where he played basketball, baseball, and golf. Joe enlisted and served 38 months with the United States Marine Corps, 28 months of which was overseas during World War II. Having been appointed to the New York State Troopers in 1936, Joe rejoined the Troopers in 1945. Transferred to the NYS Bureau of Investigation in 1946, he attained the rank of Sergeant and retired in 1960. In August of 1960, Joe was appointed Sheriff of Chenango County by NY Governor Nelson Rockefeller. He served Chenango County for over 21 years, retiring in 1981.
Sheriff Joe’s military service was meritorious including battles fought in Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. He was awarded four bronze stars for service in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, the Navy Unit Citation with two bronze stars for Bougainville and Guam and the Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze star for Iwo Jima. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Bronze “V” for individual valor.
During November of 1957, Joe led troopers in a raid of gangland member, Joe Barbara’s farm in Appalachin, NY. Also in 1957, Camp Pharsalia was constructed and in 2003, Joe was recognized by the Camp for his 46 years of service to the inmates which included amendments to NY law allowing the implementation of work-release programs in New York.
Sheriff Joe received many, many tributes. Among them was recognition for his part in forming a rehabilitation program for youth which led to the Sheriff’s Camp which is still active today. May 4, 1982 was proclaimed “Joe Benenati Recognition Day” in the City of Norwich. He was made a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International in 1989, and was inducted into the Police Hall of Fame, Miami, Florida in 1998. In 1968, Joe was selected for one of three “Top Law Officer” awards presented by NY Secretary of State, John P. Lomenzo.
Sheriff Joe served as Chairman of the Criminal Justice Advisory Board of the Southern Tier. He was a member of the Board of Visitors of the NYS Veteran’s Home, chairman of the Advisory Committee of Camp Pharsalia and Advisory Committee and Counselor of the H-Bar-D Ranch program for disadvantaged children. He also served as president of the Advisory and Christmas Program Committee at Camp Pharsalia.
Sheriff Joe was a communicant of St. Bartholomew’s Church, a member of the American Legion Post 189, the VFW Post 2782 and the Bullthistle Marine Corps League Detachment 604. He was also a member of the Norwich Rotary Club.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Sheriff Joe will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday, Aug. 9 from 1-7 pm.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department, 279 Co. Rd. 46, Norwich, NY 13815 or to the Sheriff’s Day Camp at that address, the VFW Post 2782 or to the American Legion Post 189, both in Norwich.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.