Obituary of Tonilee Benacquista

Memorial services for ToniLee Benacquista, 62, formerly of Schenectady, are scheduled for 6 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2009, at Daly Funeral Home in Schenectady. Father Isopo will be officiating. Ms. Benacquista passed away on June 20, 2009, in her Bradenton, FL, home. She was born February 12, 1947 in Schenectady to the late Ralph and Lissie Benacquista, Sr. She retired from the Niskayuna Public School System in 2004 and throughout her life enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She was known for her famous Sunday Italian dinners and homemade pizzas. In addition to her parents, Ms. Benacquista was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Benacquista. She is survived by a loving family, including her daughters, SFC Michelle Laska, U.S. Army, Ft. Meade, MD, Susan Hill and husband, Jason Arp; son, SSgt John J. Laska, Jr., U.S. Air Force and wife, Beth Fairchild AFB, WA; grandchildren, Brady and Elizabeth Hill, Josephine Laska; brother, Buddy (Ralph Benacquista, Jr.); sister, Karen Sloan; and an uncle; many cousins; and longtime companion, John Marinello. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday, prior to services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.