Benita Callo

October 9, 1942 - October 10, 2021

Benita Callo, 79 of Great Kills, passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Benita was born in Manhattan, where she lived for 22 years before moving to Queens. She came to Staten Island in 1970 (Bay Terrace) and settled in Great Kills in 1986. She and her husband, Domenico also had a seasonal home in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, where they would travel back and forth on a regular basis. Benita graduated from St. Anthony School in Manhattan in 1960. Over the years she took various courses to further her education. These courses included New York University Administrative Assistant Course, Wagner College Human Resource Course, St. John's University Human Resource Course in Professional Counseling and St. Lukes Bethlehem PA Home Health Aid Course. She was an Executive Secretary to Presidents and Vice Presidents in various Manhattan companies, some of which included South Street Seaport, Nedloyd Shipping Lines, Thomas Publishing Company, St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center and Depository Trust and Clearing Group. After her retirement, Benita enjoyed working at Macy's and Mikasa. Benita's family recalls what a smart, whitty and talented woman she was. She was fluent in reading and writing Italian, and a wonderful party coordinator and decorator. She took pride in hosting family gatherings where she would decorate with taste and beauty. She also had a love of travel - domestic and international. Some of the Countries she enjoyed going to where Italy and Mexico and she and her husband would often take cruises with friends and visit friends in Florida. She was also a very giving person, sponsoring children for over 25 years for Children International and also supported St. Anthony and St. Jude charitable organizations. Benita was resilient, independent and strong, a stunning beauty that could capture the attention of all when she walked into a room. She had a classic elegance to her and a brilliant smile. She had a generous heart and always had an open door policy. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who treasured time spent with family. She was predeceased by her parents, Domenico and Mafalda Gianardi from Italia. Benita was the beloved wife of 56 years to Domenico, who passed away in 2017. Loving mother to Elizabeth Conroy, Mark Callo and Stephanie Freeo. Dear mother-in-law to John Conroy, Judith Lopez and Russell Freeo. Devoted grandmother to Christopher Callo, Danielle Fox, Jonathan and Dilaura Morales, and Anthony, Jessica and Vanessa Callo. Cherished great grandmother to Layla Morales, John Fox, Carter and Aria Callo, and soon to be Leah Morales. Fond cousin to Grace Glussich, who was like a sister to Benita. The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021 and 10:00 -11:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. Arrangements include private cremation. In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that donations be made in Benita's name to the Brain Tumor Foundation. (https://new.braintumorfoundation.org/donate/)