Joseph J. Beninato, Jr.
Mar 12, 1945 – Mar 20, 2017
Joseph John Beninato, Jr., age 72 of Omaha, Nebraska, the beloved husband and best friend of Mary Clare (Owens) Beninato for 48 years, passed away peacefully on the Feast of St Joseph, March 20, 2017, surrounded by the ones he loved.
Joe was born in Omaha. He attended Omaha University, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha 
Fraternity, and obtained a degree in accounting. He received his M.B.A from the University of San Francisco and his JD from Creighton University. Joe also served as an officer in the United States Air Force.
As a CPA in Omaha, Joe had many longtime clients, many of whom became his close friends. Joe was incredibly intelligent and athletic. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and his many friends. His hobbies included softball, woodworking, and watching movies.
Grandpa Joe was the leader, coach, and mentor to all members of Team Beninato. In addition to his wife Mary Clare, Joe’s team members include sons Greg (Erin O’Brien) Beninato, Dr. Dan (Pam Maag) Beninato, daughter Beth (Matt Worm) Beninato and his grandchildren, Madie, Sam, Dominic, Natalie, Evelyn, Vivian, and Joey, as well as his sister, Joan (Ron) Gentzler, brother Dr. John (Barb Dorothy) Beninato, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lee Beninato.
A VISITATION celebrating Joe will be held on Friday, March 24th from 5pm until 7pm at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm at the church. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held on Saturday, March 25th at 10am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery with military honors by Millard American Legion Post 374 and VFW Post 8334. Memorials are suggested to Mount Michael, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, or as directed by the family.
10 Comments
Joe was a wonderful man and great neighbor. Our deepest condolences.
I was fortunate to have worked briefly with Joe. He had a way of making you feel special. I will miss his whistle 🙂 Condolences to the entire Beninato family.
Dearest Mary Clare and Family, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Joe was such a great man. He loved his family, God, our country and helping others. He always had great stories about life and wisdom to share. We are terribly sorry for your loss. Matt and Connie Wickham
Joe and I grew up together, played together and his parents took me in for a time. A great mentor and friend. Baseball at Schroeder Park, Cowboys and Indians in the alley and shooting hoops at Borchman’s. Attending OU together and more. I will miss him and those boyhood times.
Visited the Church on Friday, but could not wait in line, I have a bad back.
Signed book, wish I could have met everyone. I have thought of Joe all week.
Joe and I met back in the 1975-1976 time frame when he was a senior certified law student under my wing at Legal Aid in Omaha’s downtown office. Wonderful and bright student, and I knew he would excel at whatever he did in life. You have my deepest sympathies on your loss of Joe.
Beth, Mary Clare and Family,
Thoughts and prayers to all of you. I was so saddened to see this today, I was reminded of many, many great memories of being with the Beninato Family. You have our deepest sympathies for losing such a wonderful person.
Joe and I worked closely together for a number of years in the early to mid 90’s. I will remember him as one of the most ethical individuals that I have had the pleasure to work with. Also, rarely a day passed that he would not bring up his family, and the extreme pride he had in all of his children. Joe was truly a good soul, and I am sure will be missed dearly by all who knew him. My condolences to the entire family.
Mary Clare and Beninato Family, there are no adequate words to describe the sadness of Joe’s passing but there certainly are thousands of words to describe the type of man Joe was to his family and friends.
Joe welcomed me upon my first year of Nebraska Senior Softball and became a valued friend, advisor, and mentor. I admired his tenacity at coming back to playing ball after his first surgery and wearing his trustworthy batting helmet, he played with just as much competitive fire as he did before. That took courage and showed the desire he had for the game and the comraderie all of us get to experience playing this game we love. Joe was so genuine. Frequently, he would pull me aside to say ‘thank you’ for something I had done for the league or just my efforts alone. When I shook his hand and turned to leave, I was always walking a bit taller due to the type of man Joe Beninato was…this is a guy who we should emulate and celebrate.
Mary Clare,
I read of your husband, Joe’s, passing and I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was a very good husband and father, a good man. Please extend my sympathies to your children,
You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Pat (Fry) Lortz
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