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Charles DiBenedetto, born April 24, 1925 in NYC, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones who had gathered the day before for an early centennial celebration of his life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Clare, who is 94 years young and leaves behind four of their five children, 13 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Charles and Clare's third daughter, Wanda, sadly passed away in 2023.
Charles will long be remembered for his enduring love of family and unwavering Catholic faith. A catechist and Eucharistic minister of many decades, his love of God and neighbor fueled his life's work and every social interaction. An eternal optimist, he taught his children and grandchildren to shine and seek goodness in the world and see the potential in all people. He was a talented athlete, excelling in wrestling, roller skating, and swing dancing and remained active doing calisthenics and push ups into his 90's. He was blessed with excellent health his entire life, supported by his wife, Clare's, healthy Italian cooking. He defied the stereotype of a fragile old man and remained physically and mentally active and vibrant and very social to the end.
Charles graduated from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute in 1944 with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He captained the wrestling team to the first undefeated season in the school's history and was honored with the 'Athlete of the Year' award. Following his graduation, Charles attended The US Naval Academy, Class of 1949, where he again captained the wrestling team achieving an undefeated record his senior year. He proudly served his country and attained the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade before leaving the Navy to focus on his growing family.
Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Charles founded several companies, starting in business with his brothers, constructing high-rise residences, hospitals, schools, government and office buildings. Previously he was general manager of Lourdes Hydraulics where he designed centrifuges used in aircraft and missiles, and applied for patents on some of his inventions. He later transitioned to a career in commercial real estate. His most memorable collaboration was with his daughter, Paula, who designed the iconic family home that Charles built on the ruins of the historic Ferguson Castle on Long Island, which became a cherished gathering place for his 13 grandchildren throughout their childhood.
Charles was a remarkable man who will long be remembered for his joyful demeanor, unwavering moral compass, enormous bear hugs and strong handshake. A close friend described him as 'a force of nature' always ready for meaningful conversation and deeply engaged in the present. His well-considered, morally grounded positions on important issues reflected his honorable principles. He loved his country and took immense pride in his family, offering love and wisdom as their patriarch. Described by friends as a 'larger than life' character whose shoes can never be filled, Charles will be remembered by his family as an exemplary role model, hero and committed father, grandfather and husband.
A lifelong investor in the stock market, Charles was driven by his desire to support charities and the work of missions like the Salesian order that serves the poorest youth worldwide. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The Don Bosco Mission and Boys Home in Kollam, India, an orphanage that takes in, educates and prepares disadvantaged children for productive careers and lives. Donations can be made in Charles DiBenedetto's name at: https://g.co/kgs/a3WvwdJ
Charles also loved the work of Good Counsel Homes, a nationally recognized nonprofit offering housing and supportive residential care and community-based services for homeless, expectant and new mothers and their children. Donations can be made at: goodcounselhomes.org
Charles' spirit lives on through his family, friends, and the many lives he positively impacted during his long and meaningful life.
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