Benjamin Virgilio

03/28/2001

Benjamin N. Virgilio, 84, of 66 Winesap Road died Wednesday at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Born in Pittsfield on May 18, 1916, son of Bernardino and Maria DiPaola Virgilio, he attended Pittsfield schools. Mr. Virgilio was an Army veteran of World War II and a prisoner of war in Germany. He received a number of campaign and service medals, including a Purple Heart for wounds received in action, a Bronze Star and a Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar. Mr. Virgilio was employed by GE for 34 years and retired from the ordnance department in 1980. In 1971, he and his brother-in-law, Bruno Gennari, opened Benny's Restaurant on Depot Street in Dalton and operated it until 1976. He was a communicant of All Souls' Church. He enjoyed fishing, clamming at Cape Cod, mushroom picking, playing cards and gardening. He was a member of the GE Quarter Century and Pensioners clubs, the Italian-American Club and a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9566 of Dalton. His first wife, the former Mary Gennari, died Dec. 8, 1950. He leaves his second wife, the former Elda Gennari, whom he married Feb. 16, 1952, and a brother, Anthony J. Virgilio of Erving. Additional survivors include several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Evelyn DiMassimo, and five brothers, John L. Virgilio Sr., Sam L. Virgilio, Gabriel J. Virgilio, Frank P. Virgilio Sr. and Del P. Virgilio Sr. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 31, at 8 a.m. from FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St., followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9 at All Souls' Church in Pittsfield celebrated by the Rev. Geoffrey J. Deeker, CSS, pastor. Burial will follow in the family plot in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Pittsfield. Calling hours at the funeral home will be today, Friday, March 30, from 4 to 7. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of the funeral home.

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