Gilman D Benitez

Gilman Daisy Benitez, 85, passed away on March 12, 2022, with family at her bedside. Born January 13, 1937, in Banes, Cuba to the late Juan and Maria Luisa Rojas. She was one of four children including Oneida Duran, Luis Mario Rojas, and the late Sergio Rojas. She is predeceased by her devoted husband of 40 years, Humberto Benitez.

Gilman leaves behind an endless number of loved ones including her daughters Jacqueline Cid and husband Jorge Cid, and Gilma Bellofatto and husband Donald Bellofatto; her grandchildren Veronica Cid, Christina Rivera and husband Marcos Rivera, Christopher Bellofatto and Jillian Bellofatto; a great grandchild, Marcos Dali Rivera, and many loving family members and friends.

Gilman was devoted to her family and friends. She celebrated life every day and brightened the lives of those around her with her spunk, laughter, joy, and positivity. Gilman lovingly provided care for her husband and mother until their passing. She was a woman of tremendous faith and was an active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth, NJ. Gilman traveled the world both for leisure and for religious missions to serve the less fortunate. Gilman was also committed to her profession at Verizon, where she worked in the accounting department for over 30 years before retiring in 2002.

Gilman had a larger-than-life personality and will be missed by all that had the opportunity to know her. She touched many lives and was always first in line to help anyone in need. She adored her family and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was always ready for an adventure and always the first person recruited for any outing, to any place, at any time! Gilman embodied love and showered those around her with it. She lived her life fully and will be missed beyond words, but the fond and cherished memories she leaves behind will forever live in our hearts. May her outlook on life be a guiding light for others.

Viewing will be at Krowicki McCracken in Linden on Tuesday, March 22nd from 5-9 p.m. The funeral will be held the following day at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth, followed by the burial service at Mt. Olivet in Newark. Contributions in memory of Gilman can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth, NJ.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.krowickifuneralhome.com for the Benitez family.