John Benigas

John "Smokey" Benigas of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, died at 11:20 PM Friday (8-15-2008) in the U.P.M.C. Horizon Campus, Farrell, Pennsylvania following an extended illness. He was 81. Mr. Benigas was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania on May 31, 1927, a son of Bennett and Elizabeth (DeBenedetto) Benigas. A 1945 graduate from New Castle High School, he went on to serve our country in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman 1st Class. Smokey retired from Westinghouse Electric in 1985 after 35 total years working 22 of those years as a Coil Winder. He was a member of the First Assembly Church, Hermitage and in his spare time, he enjoyed being an avid gardener, hunter, and fisherman. Survivors include: his wife, Patricia J. (Starr) Benigas, whom he married May 9, 1980; his sons, Pastor John Benigas & his wife Wendy, Hubbard, OH, and Mark Benigas & his wife Cheryl, Chicago, IL; his step-children, Dan Sumner, Sharon, Carol Peterson, Hermitage, Kelly McQuiston, Hermitage, and Carl Sumner, Erie, PA; his sixteen grandchildren; and his eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Pat, Joe & Anthony Benigas; his sister, Mary Blair; and his former wife, Esther (Molinari) Benigas. Private family services will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests contributions can be made to the Family Hospice & Palliative Care, 1965 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, Pennsylvania 16148. Family & Friends can send condolences to www.madaszchapel.com.