Salvatore Benanti

Salvatore "Coach" Benanti, a lifelong resident of Garfield, entered eternal life on Monday, March 21st, 2022, he was 80. Sal, who was popularly known as "Mr. B," and "Coach" was born in Passaic, New Jersey on September 17th, 1941, to Charles "Blood" and Nettie (Garrone) Benanti. He was a graduate of Garfield High School Class of 1959, where he was an accomplished football player. In 1989 he was inducted into the Garfield Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also a graduate of Eastern Montana College, where he played football and earned his Bachelor's Degree. Sal was married to his beloved wife of 53 years, Karen (Pietrowski), on August 16th, 1969. Sal retired from the Wallington Schools in 2000, having worked as a gym teacher and coach for over thirty-five years. In the early 1970's he took over his father's tavern and restaurant, the famous Charlie Blood's, on Frederick Street in Garfield. He was also very active on the Garfield Board of Education for over 35 years. In 2005 he had the opportunity of working as the NIFL Offensive Line Coach for the NJ Xtreme team. Sal was an avid reader, and enjoyed coaching in Wallington and Saddle Brook, cooking and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife Karen Benanti, his three devoted children and their spouses: Jodi Benanti-Hughes and Todd Hughes; Sally and Jason Bulger; Tracy and (Victor Hrebeniuk who was predeceased on Sept. 9, 2021). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Charlie Jo and Rashawn Gatling, Thomas, Terry and Tyler Hughes; Aimee, Hailey and Matthew Bulger; Madison and Derik Hrebeniuk and his great-grandson Mason Gatling. He is survived by his nephew Johnny and his wife Valerie Davis, his great nieces Ashleigh and Jenna Davis; and a large extended family. Salvatore was predeceased by his sister Rosalie and her husband John Davis. Visiting Thursday, March 24th, 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm, Warner-Wozniak Funeral Service, 80 Midland Ave. Wallington, NJ 07057. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11am, Friday, March 25th, at Our Lady of Mount Virgin, 188 MacArthur Avenue Garfield, New Jersey 07026. A private committal service will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions will be used to establish an athletic scholarship in Coach B's name to benefit a local athlete, all contributions are appreciated.
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