Michael Vincent Benecchi

Survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Benecchi, (nee Pomaco). His daughters Antonia (Toni) Benecchi and JoAnn Long, and her husband Louis Long. His grandchildren Vic Long and Louis Anthony Long, Jr., and his wife Gianna, (nee Liaci), and his sisters Jean Lotito and Helen Chierico, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Predeceased by his parents, Silvio (Sid) and Clara Benecchi, (nee Caputo).

Michael Vincent Benecchi, 87, began what would be a very long career in the sewing machine and fabric industry as a young man working for a lingerie manufacturing company in Newark NJ. Through the years Michael honed his skills at Kaplan-Newark, Singer Sewing Machine, and the sweatshops of New York City’s garment district. These experiences led Michael, together with Joyce, to open The Fabric and Sewing Center in Nutley, NJ. As times changed so did Michael and he accepted a job at Juki America, a career that led him throughout the U.S. and Japan repairing and leading seminars on industrial sewing machines. After semi-retiring he was sought out by many as there were few who shared his knowledge and skill and he happily worked well into his 80s.

Mike and Joyce raised their family in Belleville, NJ before they relocated to Manchester, NJ to retire. Mike was an excellent golfer, bowler, and fisherman and watched all sports with a passion. He loved playing card and word games and challenged Joyce, “his ever lovin’ choice” every day in playful competition. He craved knowledge and the outdoors and led his family on many camping expeditions. He also received the title of Master Gardener from Rutgers University and grew beautiful vegetables.

Mike achieved many things but perhaps the most important in his life was treating others how he wished to be treated. He offered love, compassion, and kindness freely and always and he found complete joy in spreading the Lord’s Word with the hope that all would one day live eternally in the Kingdom of Heaven.

An Ordained Minister, he shared the Word of God at the pulpit, for youth ministry, in nursing homes, choirs, and missions. Michael studied the Bible in the silence of the middle of each night, returning to bed by four. He proudly proclaimed that restless sleep would wake him but reading and trusting the Word of God settled him into the most peaceful slumber.

"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Family and friends are invited to the visitation for Michael on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with a prayer service to take place at 12:30 pm, at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 3010 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, NJ 08759. Entombment to follow at the Whiting Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 600 County Rd 530, Manchester Township, NJ 08759.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael's memory to the Harbinger's Ministry (A missionary outreach program in Kenya, East Africa) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.