Miss Nancy Beninati

December 6, 1923 - February 9, 2019

On February 9, 2019, Nancy Beninati passed on to her eternal reward at the age of 95. Nancy was born in Cortland, N.Y. on December 6, 1923, the daughter of Anunziata and Angelo Beninati, Sr. Living her entire life at her South Main Street address. Nancy was employed for many decades by the Crescent Corset Company of Cortland. Although she never married or had children of her own, Nancy was like a dear mother to her loving nieces and nephews, always offering words of wisdom, understanding, love and encouragement. Her generosity knew no limits. So wide was her influence that even those who were not members of her family frequently referred to her as “Aunt Nancy” her nieces and nephews and now their own children adored her, often begging her into yet another endless session of “Ring Around the Rosie.” Aunt Nancy never said No. Nancy was pre-deceased by her parents, Anunziata and Angelo Beninati, Sr; her sisters, Renzina Spada and Barbara Spada Shattuck and her husband, Dwight; brother, Raymond Spada and his wife Mary; brothers, Bartolo Beninati and Angelo Beninati, Jr.; and great nephew; Michael Musci. Nancy is survived by nieces, Rae Marie (Dale) Saddlemire and Nancy (Jack) Musci; nephews, Robert (Betsy) Spada, Richard (Sharon) Shattuck and Raymond Shattuck, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, along with several great-great nephews and nieces, and many godchildren, all of whom Nancy deeply loved. A lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Nancy was a member of the Stella D’Oro Lodge as well as St. Anthony’s Altar Society. She will have a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church on Monday at 11 a.m. Prayers of committal will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. in the Chapel of Riccardi Funeral Home 69 N. Main St. Cortland, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to donate are asked to consider St. Anthony of Padua Church c/o The Parish Center 59 N. Main St. Cortland, N.Y. 13045 or The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation Inc. 18115 116th Ave SE. P.O. Box 58785 Seattle, Washington 98058 Nancy’s family would like to thank the doctors and staffs of the Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, Family Practice of Cortland and the Crown Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Cortland for the compassionate and competent care they provided for her. Condolences may also be sent by visiting www.riccardifuneralhome.com