Michael Beninato, 73, of Denton, Texas, passed away on May 23, 2022 after complications from heart failure.

Michael was born on August 11, 1948, to Francesco and Vincenza Beninato in Nicosia, Sicily. He traveled by boat with his family from Sicily to Ellis Island, New York in 1955, then quickly moved to Chicago, where he resided until 1998. Michael graduated from De La Salle High School in 1967, then went on to the workforce. Even without a college degree, Michael worked his way up from the factory at American National Can in Chicago to a very successful career as Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Silgan Containers Corporation in California, where he resided for nearly 20 years.

After retiring in 2015, Michael moved from California to Denton, Texas with his wife (Mary) and spent his time with family and friends, golfing and taking trips to Reno and Las Vegas gambling and to visit family.

Michael and Mary Beninato, who were high school sweethearts, wed in 1971, going on to have two children, Lisa and Gina.

Michael was predeceased by his mother, Vincenza, his father, Francesco, and his younger brother Sigismundo/Raymond (aka Dino), and most recently, three weeks prior, his wife, Mary. Michael is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Chris Frey) and Gina (Jonathan Palma), his brother Joseph (Karen), his sister Faustina, his sister-in-law, Donna, his four granddaughters, Sydney, Lily, Mia and Sophia and many nieces and nephews.

Family was of the utmost importance to Michael. Everything he did in life was for or because of his family. One of his most beloved movies (Godfather) said it best: “To the strength of a family, like the strength of an army, lies in its loyalty to each other.” Michael remained loyal to his family until the end in the only way he knew how, and eventually could not withstand the loss of his wife. His life ultimately faltered to a broken heart. Michael lived most of his life with vigor, love, laughter, silliness, and strength.

On behalf of our family, thank you all for the many forms of sympathy that have been expressed, especially your prayers. The deaths of Michael and Mary so close together were unfathomable losses, but we find comfort in their memories and that they are living eternally together.

Vive Bene, Spesso L’Amore, Di Risata Molto – Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often.

We will be holding a Celebration of Life for Michael in Chicago on July 30th at a location to be determined. We would love to see as many family and friends who are able to attend.