Obituary of Anthony "Tony" Michael Benzo, Jr.

     Mr. Anthony “Tony” Michael Benzo, Jr, 76, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 29, 2022.

     Anthony was born in Utica, on January 7, 1946, the son of Anthony Michael, Sr, and Josephine (Massago) Benzo.  He was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Proctor High School.  At one time, Tony was married to Darlene (Usmail) Benzo and from that union their beautiful daughter Gina Marie was born.  Early in Tony’s career, he was a bread delivery man with Raspante Bread in Utica and for many years, as a cab driver with White Star Taxi in Utica.  He was an avid NY Yankees and NY Giants fan, as well as pool enthusiast. Tony also enjoyed sunbathing, the Sopranos, and his daily lottery tickets. He will be remembered as a man who followed a routine, who was always on time, and as far as his granddaughters were concerned, he was the most amazing, coolest, laid-back grandfather there was. Tony enjoyed the simple things in life, especially spending every Sunday in the summer with his family, swimming at Power Dam, driving his 2004 Monte Carlo, and listening to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Family to Tony was most important and there was nothing more precious to him than his daughter, granddaughters, and great granddaughter, who he devoted his life to. 

     Mr. Benzo is survived by his cherished granddaughters, Ashley Brown of Utica and Alexa Strickland of Syracuse; his adored great granddaughter, Raegan, who he loving called “his Raegie” sister-in-law, Eileen Benzo of Sauquoit; two nieces, Dana Benzo of New Hartford and Jodi Benzo of Sauquoit; great nephew, Matteo; great niece, Tallia; special cousin, Angela Benzo Norman of CA and his best friend, Ron Passante of Utica, as well as several additional cousins and dear friends to numerous to mention.  He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Gina Marie Benzo in August of this Year; his loving companion, Emma Jane Collea in May of this year; brother, Daniel Benzo and dear cousin, Camillo Benzo.

     Visitation for family and friends is Thursday, October 6, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica.  He will be laid to rest with his parents, in Calvary Cemetery in Utica.