Carolyn Anna Benfante (nee Guido)
Treasured mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt.
It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of our beloved Carolyn A. Benfante (nee Guido), 80, on April 8, 2020 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Carolyn was born on May 7, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY as the first of three children. In 1959, Carolyn married Alfred Benfante and soon started a family together.In 1974, Carolyn and her late husband Alfred bought Dick’s Delicatessen on Castleton Avenue where she worked alongside her children and sister Lena for 45 years. In recent years, Carolyn could be found in the kitchen sitting on her wooden stool making her infamous salads, croquets, rice balls, and many other dishes loved by customers. At home, Carolyn was often found baking; most frequently her notorious rainbow cookies which were loved by everyone. Carolyn was an extraordinarily talented artist who enjoyed creating hundreds of ceramics and other pieces of art for those close to her. She was known to paint the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and other holiday icons on her front windows every year. Carolyn loved preparing and hosting exceptional dinners for her family whether it was just another Sunday afternoon or a holiday. She was the most caring and loving mother and grandmother anyone could ever ask for; there was never a doubt that grandma was going to be at your performance, game, graduation, birthday party and everything in between.
Carolyn is survived by her three children, Alan and Carl Benfante and Lauren Safara; her sister Lena Benfante; her brother Vincent Guido; her eight grandchildren Christina Quinlan, Carl Jr., Bianca, and Vincent Benfante, Michael Safara Jr., A.J. Benfante, Andrew Safara, and Blake Benfante; her great-grandchild Niah Quinlan. Carolyn will be missed beyond measure by her immediate family, extended family, and friends.
Due to the horrific state of our world as a result of COVID-19, a graveside service will be held at Moravian Cemetery on Tuesday, April 14th at 9:45 A.M.. Those wishing to pay their respects will be asked to drive by the gravesite, 4-5 cars at a time.
2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, New York 10306
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
9:45am - 
20 thoughts on “Carolyn A. Benfante”
I am very sorry for the loss of Mrs. Benfante. She was a very sweet and loving woman. My thoughts and prayers out go to the Benfante and Safari families. ❤️
Condolences to the Benfante Family.
May she Rest in Peace.
So very sorry for your family
We are so sorry for your loss.
So Sorry to hear about Carol’s passing. She was such a beautiful woman, always caring and smiling. Our condolences to the Benfante and Safari families for such a great loss. She will be in our prayers.
Gina & Allen and family
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom, Allen
and the Grandmother to your wonderful children.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Take Care,
Josephine M. Serafin
16 Atlantic Walk
So very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest in sweet peace.
Mrs. Benefante was the absolute best. She always brought a smile to anyone she encountered. Alan, Carl and Lauren – I am so sorry to hear this news and please know that her presence (and potato salad!) was a light in this world. She is now reuinted with Mr. B and watching over all of you! Sending virtual hugs & kisses from Massachusetts.
Much Love,
Alexis (Heffernan) Fletcher
So so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. B. She was a wonderful women whom I have very fond memories of. To my oldest friend Alan I wish I could be there for you.
Alan & Gina, Lauren and Carl and family you are all in my thoughts and prayers
I am saddened by the passing of Carolyn , My prayers are with her family .
Carol was my mom’s cousin. She was a wonderful women. As a kid growing up I remember for every holiday she would come to our house and paint the big picture window. Easter bunny, Santa Claus. She was an amazing artist and brought a lot of joy to our family.
Alan Carl and Lauren
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was a very special person. May her soul and the souls of the faithfully departed Rest In Peace .
Charlie Petrizzo and family
Heaven has certainly gained a wonderful angel. One that has such grace the other angels will be envious.
Her smile was extraordinary. Her cooking was like tasting home.
And her love for her grandchildren was beyond measure.
My sincere condolences to the entire family
Dear Alan Carl & Lauren
Your Mom was so sweet & Loving
My Sincerest Condolences to the Family
Alan, Carl and Lauren
Having Aunt Carol as part of our lives is one if gods greatest blessings to us. Always kind, happy, and so giving.
Our deepest sympathy to you all and we pray for peace for Aunt Carol and Uncle Al in gods presence.
Matt, Crystal, Nick and Mike Petrizzo
My sincere condolences to Al, Carl and Lauren on your moms passing and also to her sister Lena.Carol was a kind and hard working woman who was always very pleasant and friendly.May she rest in peace!
We are sorry for your loss
What a wonderful kind person has been lost to her family. The McVey family has lost a friend and we will never forget Carols kindness and love for our dear Patty-Jo.
Dear Alan, Carl, Lauren and Family. We are so sorry to hear of Aunt Carol’s passing. We were very blessed to have her in our lives. Heaven is a better place today and we know Uncle Al and many of our loved ones who have passed before us welcomed her with open arms. She was a Hall of Fame individual who’s smile and laugh will live on forever. With Love and Prayers, Cono, Beatrice, Raquel, Brandon, Cono III and Victor.
Allen and family we are sorry for your loss. You are all an amazing strong family and her memories will always live on in your hearts.