Obituary of Joanne M. Benedict

Joanne Marie Benedict, a lifelong Madison resident, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2024 at her home. She was 80.

Joanne is survived by her son, Christopher J. Benedict and his wife Donna; her longtime companion, Arthur Sgobbo; five grandchildren, Nicole Heston, Kaitlyn Heston, Frederick Heston IV, James Francis Benedict II & Brooke Saggese and her husband Phillip; five great grandchildren, Penelope Seher, Nora DeSimone, Avena Rose Heston, Frederick Heston V and Cooper Heston; Arthur’s children, Anita Sgobbo & Anthony Sgobbo and his wife Ruth; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Felicetta Paolella; one sister, Antoinette Wroblewski; and one brother, Pasquale “Patsy” Paolella.

Joanne was a graduate of Madison High School and she began her career in accounting at Chubb Life Insurance Company in Murray Hill and at Nabisco in East Hanover. Joanne later accepted a position at the Aetna Insurance Company in Parsippany where she devoted 25 years to the accounting department. After her retirement from Aetna, Joanne transitioned her career, becoming a credit counselor for individuals at the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of NJ. She took great pride in helping others.

Joanne was a wonderful mother, proud grandmother and her family meant everything to her.

Joanne was a huge fan of Elvis Presley, taking numerous memorable trips to Graceland in Memphis, TN with her companion Arthur. She loved trips to the shore, especially to Cape May, and Joanne’s cats held a special place in her heart.

Joanne’s bright smile and her warm, caring nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Joanne to be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025 followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those unable to attend, the Mass can be viewed via livestream at https://svmnj.org/livestream-mass

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

Charitable contributions may be made in Joanne’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105