Benedict J. Versaci, of Jersey City, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at the age of 100, in the presence of his loving family on Monday, July 19, 2021. He was born and raised in New York City.
After graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1940, he worked as a carpenter and turret lathe operator in Long Island City, New York, until July 1943 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed and trained at the Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton in California.
Benedict was a member of the elite Marine Fighter Squadron 323, nicknamed the “Death Rattlers.” In July 1944, his squadron departed Camp Pendleton for the Southwest and Pacific area. He participated in the consolidation of the Northern Solomon Islands, the Okinawa Campaign, and in air operations against the Japanese Empire. During his time in his service to our country and the cause of freedom, he served as an Intelligence Clerk. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant from the Marine Aviation Separation Unit at Cherry Point, North Carolina in 1946, with qualifications as a Rifle Sharpshooter.
Benedict was a member of Local 1536 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in America. He remained a member of the New York City District Council of Carpenters until his passing. In 1985, he retired from The Shultz Company, Inc. after over 30 years of loyal service.
In June 1956, he married the love of his life, Jennie Rubino, a native of Jersey City. They resided in Jersey City until her passing in 2003. During their married life they enjoyed traveling and spending time in Florida, rooting for the New York Yankees, dining out, entertaining, and regularly attending performances at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
In his twilight years, Benedict continued to follow the New York Yankees. He enjoyed listening to classic and popular Italian music, show tunes, big band hits, and opera — a life-long passion. He loved to sing and could frequently be heard breaking into song up until his passing.
Benedict was predeceased by his loving parents Filadelfio & Benedetta; his beloved sister, Mary Lisa and endeared brother, Joseph. He is survived by his cherished nieces and nephews: Bettina Young, her husband Thomas, and their children Thomas and Eric; Rosanne Versaci; Frederick Versaci, his wife Mary Beth, and their children Joseph, Benedict, and Vincent; Annette Steinberg; Joseph Roselle and his wife Rene; Gene Roselle and his wife Johanna; Anthony Rubino and his wife Jeannette; Vincent Rubino; and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Friday, July 30, 2021 from 4:00 – 8:00pm at Failla Funeral Home, 533 Willow Avenue, Hoboken, New Jersey. Parking available rear of Memorial Home off Sixth Street. Funeral mass is on Saturday, July 31, 2021, 11:00 am, at Holy Rosary Church, 344 6th Street, Jersey City, New Jersey. Internment at Holy Name Cemetery, 823 West Side Avenue, Jersey City.