Theresa Benedetto Obituary

Theresa Benedetto, 92, of Staten Island, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025. God has taken her hand and welcomed her home to heaven and joyfully reunited her with her beloved husband John of 58 years.
She was born in Staten Island to the late Fred and Anna Leanza. Terry was the middle sister to four siblings: Vito (Leanza), the late Fannie (Cappiello), Anna (Edwards), and Rosemarie (Kaminski). She was born and raised in the Meiers Corners area of Staten Island and a graduate of Mckee High School. She worked as a beautician in both Manhattan and Staten Island.
Terry was the beloved wife of the late John Benedetto formerly of New Brighton and the devoted mother of son John Benedetto (wife Donna), and daughter Rita Murtagh (husband George). They married and settled in Richmond Town in 1960 where she and John developed beautiful friendships. She became known to some of her friends as the "Queen of Wolverine Street". She was a devoted Catholic and a long-time parishioner of St. Patrick's Parish.
Terry had a real sweet tooth for chocolate which was always available with any visit. Then again, she really enjoyed celebrations with family and friends and was very comfortable spontaneously filling the role of the unofficial master of ceremonies. She would begin any meal with a prayer. At some point, during most events, she would initiate an unsolicited toast - that would occasionally raise an eyebrow but always generate memorable and uncontrolled laughs, ending with her infamous "Cheers"!!!
She was a proud grandmother. She adored and was loved by her grandchildren, Jaclyn Benedetto, (husband Joseph Felice) John-Anthony Benedetto, Nicholas Benedetto (wife Nicole Barry), and Matthew Murtagh; she was also gifted with four great grandchildren, Gianna-Marie and Joseph (Felice), Scarlett and Nicholas (Benedetto). Terry cherished her many nieces and nephews and was treasured by all. Theresa touched many lives and will truly be missed.
Visitation will be at Hanley's Funeral home located at 60 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, NY 10306, on Thursday October 23rd from 4pm to 8pm.
The funeral mass will be held on Friday October 24th, 11am at St Patrick's Church located at 53 St. Patrick's Place, Staten Island, NY 10306.
The burial will follow immediately after, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved "Johnny" at Moravian Cemetery located at 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY 10306.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Theresa's memory to: St. Patrick's Church, 53 St Patrick's Place, Staten Island NY 10306