Giorgio Benolich

Giorgio Benolich of Aquebogue died June 30 at his home. He was 87.

He was born April 18, 1923, to Marco and Cecilia (Mattelich) Benolich in Umago, Italy, where he was raised and educated.

On July 12, 1953, he married Lina Bacchiavini in Italy and the couple moved to the United States in 1956.

Mr. Benolich worked as a foreman with the Riverhead Water District for over 20 years. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck.

According to his family, he enjoyed winemaking and farming and “grew the most incredible fruits and vegetables.”

Mr. Benolich is survived by his wife; his daughters, Lucia Benolich-Glasser of Southold, Patrizia, of Patchogue and MaryGrace, of Mattituck; his sisters, Lucia and Maria, both of Trieste, Italy; and two grandchildren.

Family received visitors July 2 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated July 3 at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Cutchogue by Father Joseph Staudt. Interment followed at the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be sent to the American Heart Association National Center, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 or Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Attn: Development Office; for benefit of agriculture program, 423 Griffing Ave., Suite 100, Riverhead, NY 11901-3071.