Mafalda Benincasa

COLONIE – Mafalda DeLucia Benincasa, 74, of Colonie, entered into eternal peace on Saturday, June 20, 2009 after a long, but positive battle with cancer.
Born, educated and raised in Vitulazio, Naples, Italy she moved to America in 1971 with her family. Mafalda was employed by New York State Office of General Services for 25 years, retiring in 1996. She was the sunshine in everyone's day. Mafalda was respected and loved by all who knew her. Her singing made neighbors open their windows to listen. Her positive outlook was contagious. She will truly be missed by everyone, especially her children and grandchildren.
Mafalda was the cherished daughter of the late Giovanni DeLucia and Filomena Fiato; and was the devoted and beloved wife of 45 years to the late Francesco Benincasa. She is the beloved mother of Paola (Scott) VanDenburg, Filomena (Jim) Savoca, Luigi (Tara Fleury), John and Joey Benincasa. She is the cherished grandmother of Nadia and Vincenzo Savoca, Kimberly Benincasa and Nicholas VanDenburg. Mafalda is the sister of Lucia DeRosa, Serafina DiLillo, Alberto and Gennaro DeLucia, all of Italy, and the late Luigi DeLucia and Rosa Giuliano. She is also survived by six in-laws including Elisabella Benincasa who helped care for her during her illness. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be Thursday morning at 9:30 at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie then to Blessed Sacrament Church at 10:30 where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Mafalda Benincasa.