Raffaele (Ralph) DiBenedetto, 77, of Boynton Beach, Florida, formerly of Wayside, passed away peacefully Jan. 14. Born March 20, 1941 in Roccasicura, Italy, he was the son of the late Giuseppe and Giuseppina DiBenedetto.
He came to the United States in 1957 at age 17 and began working for Long Branch Coat Company in Long Branch. A tailor by trade, he established a successful career and opened his own factory in Long Branch. He later spent many years working in the Garment District in New York. Not having an opportunity to attend college, he cared deeply about education and worked tirelessly for almost 50 years to support his family and support his children through college and graduate school.
He was also active in his church and community, serving as a Grand Knight and Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Fair Haven. He served as the president of the Bocce Club in his community in Boynton Beach.
He was a devoted and loving husband of 54 years to his wife Phyllis, who survives him. Raffaele is also survived by his loving children, Joseph DiBenedetto and Rosemary Queenan (and John) and his grandchildren, Andrew and Amanda DiBenedetto and Jack and Maya Queenan. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family – particularly his grandchildren – and returning to his homeland with his family. He is also survived by his brother Angelo DiBenedetto and was a loving brother to his late sister Maria Iamurri. He was loved by his family and friends and will be missed.
A visitation was held Jan. 18 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A Catholic Mass was held Jan. 19 at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank, with interment immediately following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, in Middletown.
