Joseph T. Benicase

Joseph T. Benicase, 79, of Evergreen St., Town of Ulster passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2007, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Joseph's greatest joy was his family. He loved traditions and gatherings. Joe was at his proudest when surrounded by his family, reliving memories and making new ones. He will always be remembered for his passion for helping others. He was always the first person there in times of need. His quick wit and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by the many people whose lives he has touched. He was born in Kingston on Christmas Eve 1927, a son of the late Frank and Susan Amato Benicase. Joe served in the US Army's 10th Mountain Division Ski Patrol in Colorado during WW II. On September 30, 1951 he married Jacqueline Waples. He worked at the Manhattan Shirt Factory, as a self-employed tile installer and for Wester Printing. Joe worked as a supervisor at Hudson Cement until it closed. He was a member of St. Mary's Benevolent Society. Two brothers Thomas Benincas and James Benicase died previously; Surviving in addition to his wife of 55 years are five daughters, Kathy Van Kleeck and her husband Richard of Kingston, Karen Cahill and her husband James of Hurley, JoAnn Garland and her husband William of Kingston, Kristine Casciaro and her husband Paul of Kingston, Kimberly DeLong and her husband Robert of Red Hook; five brothers Charles Benincasa of Philidelphia, PA, Frank “Hank” Benicase of Kingston, Michael Benicase of Kingston, Samuel Benicase of Kingston and Thomas Martino of Kingston, four sisters Rose Grube of Kingston, Janice Turck of Kingston, Jennie Serra of Saugerties, Vera Amarello of Kingston; ten grandchildren Kyla and Kristofer Van Kleeck, Joseph and Ryan Cahill, Jacquelyn, Caroline and Ian Garland, Giancarlo and Julia Casciaro and Jeremy DeLong; one aunt Ann Cardinale, many nieces and nephews. Reposing at the Simpson – Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Sunday from 3:00 – 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be conducted by Fr. Frank Damis on Monday at 12:00. Interment will be in Wiltwyck Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Benedictine Health Foundation, 105 Mary’s Ave., Kingston.