Joseph Benvegnu

Joe was born at home during a raging snowstorm, on January 23, 1924, in Grass Creek, Utah. The area physician from Coalville made a house call the next morning to check on the newborn and his mother, Rosina Scussell Benvegnu. He was born during a simpler time when a person’s word was true. Truth and honor were how Joe lived his life. In the summer of 1924, the family purchased a farm in Murray. Joe was raised on the family farm with his older brother and best friend, Mario, and his first cousins: Mark, Austin, Violet, and Mary. His cousins were adopted by Rosina and Joe senior after their mother, Lucie Scussell Benvegnu, succumbed to the Spanish Flu and their father, John Benvegnu, to black lung. The family sold chickens, eggs, and produce to the Italian community, often traveling to Copperton with their goods. Joe recalled Christmas break was spent with the family making salami. The Benvegnu farm was known widely for their delicious homemade cheeses and salami. The Benvegnu barn on 5300 South was where kids gathered to play basketball and engage in other “horsing around.” Joe was a genuine American hero, he served with honor in the Pacific theatre, 11^th Airborne, in World War II. In the Philippines, he saved a fellow soldier’s life. 

When Isidor DeMarco and his lovely daughter, Florence DeMarco, visited the family’s farm, Joe met the love of his life. Joe and Florence married on March 12, 1955, at St. Vincent’s church on Wasatch Street. Joe’s cousin, Mark Benvegnu, performed the ceremony. Joe built Florence a new home on the site of the family farm. When Mark purchased the land on Spring Lane for St. Vincent Parish, Joe and Florence moved their young family near the new parish where their three kids could walk to Catholic school. Joe was a loyal employee of the Lang Company for over thirty years. He could build or fix anything. Beppe loved gardening into his nineties, long walks, all dogs, and making polenta with the family. Joe was a dedicated family man and loving husband. By example, he taught his children hard work and integrity. Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Florence. He is survived by his children, Steve (Suzie), Jane Carter (Joe), Michael (Claire), his grandchildren Shawn (Shannon), Lexie (Jamael), Nancy, Alice (Mike), Mary (Cole), Tim (Morgan), Rachel, Matt, and great grandson, Jack.

Please join us for a graveside service on June 17, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 275 U St, Salt Lake City. A celebration of Joe’s life will follow at 4:00 PM at Mike and Claire’s. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Humane Society or the Utah Food Bank.