Gerald Shay “Jerry” Beninato
February 6, 1945 – December 12, 2020
Gerald Shay Beninato, age 75 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shay and Julie Beninato. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia Beninato; his children: David (Ann), Chris (Jeff), Tim, Mary, Beth (Keith), Bria, Mia, and Tao; his grandchildren: Emily (Jake), Sarah, Mike, Nick, Eli, Noah, Anna, Abi, Alex, and great-granddaughter Franny: his brothers: Rich (Kathy) and Shay and brother-in-law: Mike McGuire (Vicki) and many nieces, nephews and Godchildren.
Jerry was born February 6, 1945, and spent most of his life living in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended Archbishop Ryan High School (1959-1963), where he and his wife, then Patty McGuire, met. Jerry attended Creighton University (1963-1967), where he earned a degree in Accounting. Upon graduation, he worked at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. accounting firm. Later he moved into private industry. His last job before retiring was with Phillips Manufacturing, owned by his best friend, George Kubat.
Jerry was a gifted athlete who grew up playing various sports to include basketball, football, and his life-long passion- baseball. Jerry was an exceptional left-handed pitcher who helped lead the Archbishop Ryan/Pepsi baseball team to tournament victories at the state, regional and national levels. In 2014, Jerry was inducted into the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame, along with his teammates, for winning numerous championships and finishing as runner-up in the 1963 National Legion World Series.
One of Jerry’s favorite past-times was playing card games. Each of his children learned to play cards at a very young age gathering around the family table every chance they got. In addition, Jerry spent time at the homeless shelter playing cards in the evening with the men where card playing was their shared language. At Sunridge Village, the community named several card games “Jerry’s games” as he expanded on their poker night.
Jerry will be remembered for his unwavering faith in God and devotion to his Catholic faith. His commitment to 55 years of marriage with Patty and his dedication to his children and grandchildren was uncompromised. God and family always came first. His friends lovingly refer to him as their model of a Godly man.
Visitation: Saturday, December 19, 2020, 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by Vigil Service, 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 a.m., all at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Dr, Omaha, NE 68164. Private Family Interment, Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Guadalupe or St. Vincent De Paul Parishes.
According to CDC guidelines masks are required.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service and Mass, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the homepage.
24 Comments
Our condolences to Pat and the rest of the family on Jerrry’s passing. We remember their commitment to the unborn throughout and know Jerry will be remember by Our Saviour for his faithfulness. Our prayers are with you.
On behalf of the Ryan High School Class of 1963 we would like to express our sincere condolences to his wife Pat and all her family. We are privileged to have called him our classmate. It is a challenge to us to live up to his ideals and example. Jerry and Pat made many friends through the years. We are happy to have been some of them.
Dear Pat, My deepest sympathies for your loss. Jerry was a very kind man. I will cherish my memories of celebrating mass together at St Stanislaus. God bless you and your family during this difficult time. Peace, Sharon Saniuk
I am very sad to hear about your loss. Jerry was one of the good guys and he will be missed. Max
Jerry your life with Patty is a testament to the living witness of the Holy Family. And no words could ever express the gratitude we have for the out pouring of love you gave to our family in time of need. You are a true model of husband and father and a gift your surviving children And grandchildren. You have left a legacy and your mark on this earth and will never be forgotten. I couldn’t say enough about you. I will miss those days of playing cards with you and dominos too. 💖 You are loved by all and will surely be missed however, we will meet in our prayers and hopefully in heaven again and counting on you to pray for us all here🥰. Love to our Beninato family always!
My deepest Condolences to the Beninato Family for your loss 🙏🏼
I hope that your grief will soon be replaced by the loving memories of your Dad/Husband
What a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. Rest In Peace.
So sorry to hear about the loss. He was such a sweet and loving man for the very short time period I was around. Sending many prayers and heart felt love all the way from North Carolina.
My condolences on your lost. I will keep you’re family in my prayers.
Dear Pat and family,
If there was ever a remake of It’s A Wonderful Life it should showcase the Jerry Beninato family!!! Your life with us in Fort Scott was brief but left beautiful memories of lives loved for God and neighbor. Those of us who were fortunate to have witnessed your great love for each other which spilled out on any and all you encountered – are so very grateful and thank God for blessing us with such great teachers! Know you are all in my prayers – God will comfort you in your sorrow. My John will greet Jerry at the Throne of God every morning and show him how to present a list of all your needs,Pat. We are so very blest with loving spouses. Rest In Peace Jerry and please pray for us!
Love in Christ, Mary Ann Benage
“Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return….”🎵😇
It was very touching, and impressive at the same time, to read about Jerry’s life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.
Jerry was a first class gentleman. My time working with him was too short. Our condolences to Pat and the entire family.
Bob/Bonnie Smola
Our deepest sympathy to Pat and the family on the loss of Jerry. You will be in our prayers.
My prayers for Jerry and family. He was a year ahead of me at Holy Cross grade school we learned when I was his pastor at St Stanislaus. I enjoyed a number of dinners at the house with the family. Blessings. Fr Mike
On behalf of Beth’s colleagues here at Takeda, we extend our condolences to Beth and the entire Beninato family on the passing of Jerry Beninato. What a pleasure to read about him in your tribute! He truly led a great and blessed life with many friends and family to cherish his memory. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our love and prayers to Pat and family from the Moodie family including your Godson Evan. We remember fondly those years in Ft Scott on Eddy Street watching our kids grow up together. Such great memories of dinners shared, prayers together, some tears but mostly joyful moments. Our lives are so much richer because of Jerry and Pat Beninato. Rest in peace, Jerry. God Bless you in heaven
Me and my husband never met you. But we have heard such incredible stories of the amazing man that you are.
Out hope is that as the Lord tarried we shall meet again.
I pray for the Lord to comfort the people you left behind. You are greatly missed rest in peace on behalf of my family. The Faronbis
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Jerry. He was such a kind hearted man who will be greatly missed.
Dear Pat and Family,. I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry was an excellent model for putting faith and family first. He and you will be in my prayers. Love and blessings,
Angie Araya
Pat and family, we were so sorry to hear of Jerry’s death. We remember your family from Mass eat St. Stanislaus. May God grant all of you comfort.
We love you all with all of our hearts and appreciate being welcomed into this family. I am so thankful Franny was given the opportunity to spend time with her Pepaw and continuously thankful for the love and memories.
He was such a great man. I have very fond memories of him growing up next door. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Love in Christ, Noelle Moodie-Fox
Miss you every day Dad. I love you so much.
My deepest condolences to Pat and family. Pat and Jerry exemplified “The Servant Song.” I will always be grateful for their commitment to Pro Life. They were integral in freeing Nebraska from the tightest grips of the culture of death. Jerry lives forever in our hearts and prayers . All my prayers from Jerusalem.
In Christ,
Fr. Gary Rush, OFM
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