Angelo "AJ" Joseph Benandi Jr.

Angelo "A.J." Joseph Benandi, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a brief illness on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, just one day shy of his 78th birthday. A.J. is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, and the only woman he ever loved, Julia “Judy” Lapeyrouse Benandi, his daughter and son-in- law Lisa and Brian Reaney, Sr., his granddaughters Alexis Reaney Berges (Jordan), Chloe Reaney, Valerie Pogue (Michael “Sport” Faust), his grandson Brian Reaney II (Emma), as well as his great grandchildren, Ashton Braselman, Brian “Tripp” Reaney III, Leo Reaney, Jordan “JJ” Berges, Jr., and Lucia Reaney. He is also survived by his sister Lois Condon (Raymond). He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and dear, close friends. A.J. is preceded in death by his daughter Angelina Benandi and parents Angelo Benandi, Sr. and Gertrude Perret Benandi.

A.J. was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up in the Ninth Ward on Deslonde St. He graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School and was a member of the Army National Guard. He and Judy later raised their family in St. Bernard Parish. A.J. began his journey in produce by working for his dad in the French Market. He later opened his own business, A.J.’s Produce Company, in 1983. He built the business from the ground up alongside his wife, daughters, and son-in-law. A.J. is one of the most respected members of the produce industry. Until his illness began 75 days prior to his death, A.J. still worked full time and worked hard. “Boss,” as he was referred to by his employees, will be sincerely missed.

A.J. took great pride in his success as a businessman, but what he was most proud of was his family. Affectionately known as Papa, he instilled in his children and grandchildren his love for the New York Yankees and still watched and discussed games with them frequently, and they enjoyed family vacations to see the Yankees play. He never missed an opportunity to cheer from the stands at a ballpark or from the audience at a dance recital. A.J. started out as the video camera king. As the years went on, he became the selfie king. Everyone that knew him loved him, and everyone always enjoyed taking selfies with him.

A.J. had a way with words. He had the best jokes and had a nickname for most, if not all, that he came in contact with. We will miss the corny jokes and hearing our nicknames after walking in his home while greeting him. Lastly, we will miss the endless amounts of fresh popcorn, eating pretzels together, and rolling our eyes at all the gadgets he bought.

A.J. will be fondly remembered for his smile and his immeasurable generosity. He gave to charities and to any and all in need. He never said no to helping others. He was a selfless, humble man and never let you know how tired he was or how hard he worked. Most admirably, he never complained. A.J. was a positive role model to many. He will always be in our hearts, part of our spirit, and will be greatly missed by all.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 10:00AM – 2:00PM, followed by a Funeral Mass in A.J.’s memory beginning at 2:00PM. He will be laid to eternal rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com