ONEONTA/WALTON-Reverend Joseph A. Benintende, age 72, a long–time pastor at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Oneonta, St. Anthony’s Parish, Herkimer and Church of the Annunciation, Ilion went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 15, 2016 at A. O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta with the love and support of his family at his bedside. Father Joe was born on November 27, 1943 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Michael and Betty (Beardslee) Benintende. He graduated from Epiphany Apostolic High School and then attended St. Joseph’s Seminary College in Washington, D.C. graduating from the Seminary Theology School and Biblical Study in Israel. He was ordained on May 30, 1970 at Epiphany College, Newburgh, NY by Most Reverend John Ferns, D.D. From 1970- 1975 he taught social studies and was the Dean of Students at Epiphany Apostolic High School in Newburgh. He was then assigned as an Associate Pastor at Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Church, Washington, D.C. from 1975-1978, from 1978-1980 he was the Spiritual Director and Director of Josephite Pastoral Center at St. Joseph’s Seminary College and Theology School, 1980-1983 was assigned to St. PiusV Church, Baltimore, MD as their Pastor, 1983-1985 was assigned to St. Francis de Sales, W. Albany and Loudenville as their Associate Pastor, 1985-1986 served as the Associate Pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Oneonta, 1986-1992 was assigned to St. Anthony’s, Herkimer as their Pastor, 1992-2004 served as the Pastor for The Church of the Annunciation, Ilion and returned back to St. Mary’s of Oneonta serving as their Pastor until his retirement. Father Joe was the former Dean of Herkimer County Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and was a member of The Knights of Columbus of Oneonta. Father Joe had an eloquent gift to speak. His comforting words and humble reverence touched the hearts of his parishioners and friends. He held an intense pride in his family as they were sacred to him and he loved spending time with them. Father enjoyed traveling “The World” having visited several countries including Africa, Egypt, Asia, Greece and Turkey. In his leisure time, he collected angels, taught Bible study and loved to play Mahjong and Dominos. Father Benintende is survived by his brothers, Charles Benintende and wife Mildred of Woodbury, NJ, Michael Benintende and wife Susan of Summerfield, FL; his sisters, Marie Roenelt and husband Edward of Stockholm, NJ and Izzy Caratelli and husband Casey of Bainbridge, NY. He is also survived by his aunts, Mabel Brucher, Rose Gargiulo, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Father Joe’s heart was touched by many, too numerous to mention, and he felt like family to his parishioners and friends and will be dearly missed by all. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street., Walton, NY 13856 (607)865-4383. In lieu of floral arrangements, please consider memorial contributions in Father Joe’s memory to St. Mary’s food pantry and/or renovation projects; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The body will lie in state at St. Mary’s Church, Oneonta on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Vespers will take place at 7:00 PM. Father Joe’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, NY and will be officiated by Bishop Howard Hubbard. Immediately following his Funeral Mass, a reception will be held in the church hall. Procession will then follow to Walton Cemetery, Walton, NY where he will be laid to rest alongside of his parents. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY (315)894-8000 under the direction of Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors.