Michael John DiBenedetto

Michael “Mike” John DiBenedetto of Bluffton, SC passed away on December 22, 2021 at the age of 84. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 28, 1937 to the late John DiBenedetto and Lucy (Marrazzo) Varre. He grew up in Bensonhurst, graduating from New Utrecht High School and Baruch College with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Behavioral Sciences. Before meeting and getting married to his wife of almost 62 years, Dolores (Damato) DiBenedetto, he served in the Army for 6 years, two of which were in Japan with the Adjutant General.

A few years after marriage Mike and Dolores moved to Staten Island where they started their family and lived for 10 years before moving to Ridgefield, Connecticut. They then moved to Southbury, Connecticut and ultimately settled in Bluffton, SC. Though, if Mike was ever asked where he was from, he would tell you Brooklyn, NY. He loved the City and you could never take it out of him. He worked at NY Life, United Artists and Bankers Trust all in New York City before taking a job with Boehringer Ingleheim where he retired after 25 years of employment. In Ridgefield he was a member of the Italian American Club and Ridgefield Bowling League.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Joseph Varre and his brother Nicholas DiBenedetto. He is survived by his wife Dolores DiBenedetto, daughter Christine (Rick) Courchene, daughter Kathy (Keith) Suhoza and son Michael (Julie) DiBenedetto as well as his grandchildren,

Kyle (Rachel) Courchene, Kaitlyn Courchene (Steve), Kory Courchene, Scott (Andrea) Suhoza and Stephanie Suhoza and Jonathan DiBenedetto, and all his nieces and nephews whom he loved tremendously.

Mike loved golf, swimming, cards and travel. He and his wife traveled the world meeting new people wherever they went and who they are still friends with today. It was not odd for him to just pick up a conversation with a complete stranger joking around with them and then becoming life-long friends. His sense of humor and sarcastic nature was loved by all. In March of 2005 he was given a second lease on life as his daughter, Christine, donated a kidney to him. He lived for another 16 years and did not take a day for granted. It was ultimately cancer that would claim his life. His family is at peace knowing he is home with Jesus.

There will also be a memorial service at Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel, Connecticut this summer.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a contribution in Mikes name to the Salvation Army or Wounded Warriors Foundation.