Obituary of Dominick Benaquisto

Dominick (Dick) Benaquisto passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2009, at home, surrounded by his loving family and friends after a valiant battle with cancer. Dick was born on March 23, 1944 to Joseph and Nicolina Benaquisto and was a lifelong area resident of Schenectady. He graduated from Linton High School in 1962 and joined the Schenectady Fire Department and served for 32 years. He was the owner of Brother Dominick's Restaurant for 26 years until his retirement. Dick was predeceased by his father, Joseph Benaquisto. He is survived by his beloved mother, Nicki; his loving wife, Donna (Barbieri) Benaquisto; his brother, Anthony (Juliet) Benaquisto; and his cherished children, Amber (Steven) McCauley, Peter (Heather) Benaquisto, Jamie (Ami) Coleman, and Joren Coleman; along with six beautiful grandchildren, whom he adored; several cousins, nieces and nephews also survive him. "Dickie" will best be remembered by all those who knew him for his zest for life, his love of people and his incredible sense of humor. Calling hours will be Friday, Nov. 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St. All active and retired firefighters will meet Friday at 6:45 at the funeral home. A memorial Mass, to celebrate Dick's life, will be on Sat., Nov. 7 at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. The family requests donations in Dickie's memory be made to Community Hospice.