Obituary for Leroy "Peanuts" Benvenuto
Leroy “Peanuts” was born August 6, 1931, to Costantie and Catherine Benvenuto. He joined two brothers, James and John (Margaret) and one sister, Theresa (Earl Rigel), all who have predeceased him. “Peanuts”’ dad died when he was just nine years old, so he was raised primarily by his mom with the help of his older siblings. He was an active member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and attended 8 years of school there. His faith meant so much to him throughout his lifetime.
His nickname “Peanuts” clung to him due to a childhood friend calling him this, and because he played sports through grade and high school and excelled in every sport he played. He was even drafted and played ball with the New York Giants baseball team until he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. During this past year of suffering, “Peanuts” dealt with his pain as a professional athlete, taking all the knocks that came, playing the game of life without complaint, and grateful for all that was done for him. A pro of a person of God, a husband, dad, and grandpa was displayed before all of us.
When he returned home from the service, he met his wife Catherine (Viviano) and married her in 1955. They have five children, Paul (Jolene, friend), Vickie, Mary, Terese, and Lisa (Stan), fifteen grandchildren, and soon to be twelve great-grandchildren. “Peanuts” retired from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and in his retirement years worked at part time jobs and in taking over household duties. He became the best cook ever and knew which grocery stores had the best sales. He continued to follow all sports in the paper and on TV, with baseball being his favorite.
In addition to his wife and children surviving him, he had three brothers-in-law, Father Nino and Joe Viviano and Leroy Wendler and two sisters-in-law, Rose Viviano and Angie Anderson, four cousins, Irene Ortner, Jean Gaskill, Theresa Page and Cleo Anderson along with many nieces and nephews who still think of him fondly as Uncle “Peanuts.” Besides the loss of his parents and siblings, he also grieved the loss of several in-laws and a beautiful grandchild, Eric. He was a devoted, faithful husband for 61 years and loyal always to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“Peanuts” had a beautiful life filled with many blessings and thanked the Lord daily for all of them. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him to be the guy who loved the simple life and lived faithfully with God and family being his primary focus. We love you Peanuts, Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle! May the Lord bless you and grant you eternal peace.
He gifted his body to St. Louis University School of Medicine.
There will be a Memorial Visitation on Monday, March 20, 2017 from 10:30 a. m. until 11:30 a. m. Mass time.
We will memorialize “Peanuts”’ life with a Mass at SS. Peter and Paul in Collinsville, IL, on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11:30 a. m. with Father John Beveridge officiating.
Read More
His nickname “Peanuts” clung to him due to a childhood friend calling him this, and because he played sports through grade and high school and excelled in every sport he played. He was even drafted and played ball with the New York Giants baseball team until he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. During this past year of suffering, “Peanuts” dealt with his pain as a professional athlete, taking all the knocks that came, playing the game of life without complaint, and grateful for all that was done for him. A pro of a person of God, a husband, dad, and grandpa was displayed before all of us.
When he returned home from the service, he met his wife Catherine (Viviano) and married her in 1955. They have five children, Paul (Jolene, friend), Vickie, Mary, Terese, and Lisa (Stan), fifteen grandchildren, and soon to be twelve great-grandchildren. “Peanuts” retired from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and in his retirement years worked at part time jobs and in taking over household duties. He became the best cook ever and knew which grocery stores had the best sales. He continued to follow all sports in the paper and on TV, with baseball being his favorite.
In addition to his wife and children surviving him, he had three brothers-in-law, Father Nino and Joe Viviano and Leroy Wendler and two sisters-in-law, Rose Viviano and Angie Anderson, four cousins, Irene Ortner, Jean Gaskill, Theresa Page and Cleo Anderson along with many nieces and nephews who still think of him fondly as Uncle “Peanuts.” Besides the loss of his parents and siblings, he also grieved the loss of several in-laws and a beautiful grandchild, Eric. He was a devoted, faithful husband for 61 years and loyal always to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“Peanuts” had a beautiful life filled with many blessings and thanked the Lord daily for all of them. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him to be the guy who loved the simple life and lived faithfully with God and family being his primary focus. We love you Peanuts, Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle! May the Lord bless you and grant you eternal peace.
He gifted his body to St. Louis University School of Medicine.
There will be a Memorial Visitation on Monday, March 20, 2017 from 10:30 a. m. until 11:30 a. m. Mass time.
We will memorialize “Peanuts”’ life with a Mass at SS. Peter and Paul in Collinsville, IL, on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11:30 a. m. with Father John Beveridge officiating.
To plant a tree in memory of Leroy "Peanuts" Benvenuto, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Monday
20
Mar
10:30 AM
- 11:30 AM
S. S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
207 Vandalia
Collinsville , IL 62234
Service
Monday
20
Mar
11:30 AM
- 12:30 PM
S. S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
207 Vandalia
Collinsville , IL 62234
Loading...