Submitted by: Dan Rich

Geno L. Benassi

Aug. 23, 1916 - Jan. 16, 2006

South Bend Tribune 1/19/2006

Geno L. Benassi, 89, of Lincoln Way West, South Bend, died at 6:01 p.m. Monday, January 16, in the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. He was born August 23, 1916, in South Wilmington, Illinois, to the late John and Pia (Foli) Benassi. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Meda and Lena Benassi; and two brothers, Cseasor and Victor Benassi. In 1934 Geno moved to South Bend, coming from South Wilmington, Illinois.

On January 17, 1948, in South Bend, Geno married Josephine (Vogt), who died on August 2, 1990. He is survived by three sons, Edward (Cindy) Benassi of South Bend, Richard (RoseAnn) Benassi of Mishawaka and John Benassi of South Bend; six grandchildren, Ryan, Jim, Novie, Michael, Matthew and Nicole Benassi.

Geno started his first job at Bendix, retiring in 1980 as an experimental mechanic after 45 years. He owned a cottage on Magician Lake for 58 years. Geno loved to fish, loved to dance and enjoyed Notre Dame sports. He was World War II Army veteran and served in Italy as an interpreter. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge #58 in South Bend.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., South Bend, with Rev. John A. Railton officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with military rites. Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home.