Leonardo Benevitti
July 30, 1938 ~ May 23, 2013
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Leonardo G. Benevitti, 74, lost his battle with cancer on May 23, 2013 at the family home in Pueblo. Preceded in death by his father, Joseph W. Krueger; mother, Vadna (Pomeroy) Krueger; and brother, Gerald R. Krueger. Survived by his devoted and beloved wife, Carmella 'Terri' Chimento Benevitti; family pet, Bella Benevitti; brother, Joe Allen (Cathy) Krueger; sisters-in-law, Carole Krueger, Margaret Chimento Martin; nephews, James (Colleen) Martin, Brandon Martin, Cameron Martin, Sean Lockhart, Connor Leiva-Martin; niece, Martha Ann (Kevin) Lockhart; and numerous nieces and nephews in Illinois and Indiana. Born July 30, 1938 in Valparaiso, Indiana, Leonardo was a professional artist for 55 years and sole proprietor of Designs by Leonardo. Specializing in commercial and private commissions, his works are showcased by local Pueblo businesses. He is best known for his work and painting of the Sons of Italy's traditional, handmade Sicilian-style cart or carretto. A caring family man, Leonardo loved to spend time with his beautiful wife Terri and family pet Bella working in the garden or painting for his private collection. He loved spending time with friends on the golf course or going for a drive. He was a devoted husband, son and uncle. Leonardo was a charter member of the Optimist Club of Pueblo, a member of the Sons of Italy, Southern Colorado Lodge #2738 and the Dante Alighieri Society of Pueblo. A special thanks goes to Dr. Phillip Woods, D.O. and staff, Dr. Robert Doebele, MD, Ph.D. and staff with University of Colorado School of Medicine, Dr. Robert Hoyer M.D. and Wendy Smith ACNP, AOCN with Memorial Hospital Central Cancer Medicine Specialists, St. Mary Corwin Infusion staff, Memorial Hospital Outpatient Infusion staff and Frontier Hospice for all their treatment and care they provided for Leonardo. A special thank you also goes out to Margaret Chimento Martin, James, Colleen, Brandon and Cameron Martin, Martha Ann Lockhart, Ruella Anderson, Stana Anderson, Steve and Bea Lovato, Ginny Burger, Cathy Montera, Rapunzel Fuller, Tim Hart, Linda Nauerth, Dr. Frank and Shelia Lee, Cheryl Fabjancic, Sam Pisciotta, Stan and Cora Krol, Jim Bacino, Father Joseph Vigil, Father Ben Bacino, Michelle Slonski and Manuel Sanchez and all the other individuals who provided support and help to Leonardo and Terri. Memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at St Joseph's Church, 1145 Aspen Rd. Internment at Roselawn Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Montgomery & Steward. Memorials may be made in Leonardo's name to the scholarship funds of the Sons of Italy or the Dante Alighieri Society of Pueblo. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Terri, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Lee. Mom just
told me a couple days ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It was such
a pleasure meeting you when you both came to Valparaiso. It’s nice to think
that dad and Uncle Lee are together again in Heaven. God’s blessings to you.
~Diane
May I offer my sincere condolences to you on the death of Lee. May your hearts find comfort in God’s Word where he states: He (God) will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God shall wipe away tears from off all faces. (Isaiah 25:8) May your loved one awaken to a world where there will be peace (John 5:28,29; Psalm 37:11) no sickness (Isaiah 33:24) and no more troubles (Revelation 21:4) throughout eternity (Psalm 37:29). May your hearts find comfort and hope in God’s Word for all that he has said will surely come to pass. (Titus 1:2) My deepest sympathy to you.
Terri, Bella, and Family,
It is not only a privlidge but an honour to be a part of your family. Lee taught us all to embrase life and handle it with courage and strength. All of which we will carry each and everyday. We are thrilled to have a part of Lee displayed in our home, a painting he made especially for us. Terri need not to worry as he left your arms and the paw’s of Bella, he was greeted by his beloved Totti, who met him at the begining path of the Gates of Heaven, and said this way Daddy i’ll take you to God, you are going to love it here, we can see everything and everyone from afar. We pray that God gives you strength to get through the upcoming days…Lots of love and prayers Chris and Michelle.