Benedetto Di Ganci

Benedetto Di Ganci was born in a small town of Montelepre, located in the province of Palermo in Sicily, Italy. Born December 28, 1941 to Giuseppina Russo and Carlo DiGanci, he was the middle child of three. He enjoyed his adult youth with his buddies in the piazzas of Palermo, chasing Ferrari car races and Italian football games. Benedetto loved his hometown and his family.

He fell in love with Marianna Pecoraro, through one photograph and a few letters. In one month time, they married on June 25, 1973. He and his wife decided to venture out to the United States to start their new life together in New York. They were blessed with three children, Josephine, Carlo and Salvatore.

Benedetto found his passion in carpentry and worked as a artisan woodworker, making beautiful custom furniture. In 1986, he and his family ventured out again to California, in search for a better life and better weather. He also dreamt of owning acres of land that would remind him of his home back in Sicily. He and his wife worked hard at their jobs. Benedetto particularly enjoyed working for Gulfstream Aerospace. In the early 2000’s, they built their dream home in Riverside, CA on 2 1/2 acres and tended the land for over 20 years. They had citrus orchards, olive groves,vegetable gardens and chickens.

Benedetto was a content man. He didn’t ask much for himself, but as long as his family was healthy and thriving, he was happy. He has a gentle and kind spirit and got along peaceably with everyone. He loved tending his land and enjoyed the calm moments in the olive groves. He enjoyed life and all who were close to him. He especially loved his five grandchildren who enjoyed time on his property, playing in the dirt, picking fruit and gathering eggs from chickens.

He enjoyed the sweet things in life, such as eating Italian food and drinking espresso… He cooked from his heart for his family. He loved to laugh, tell bad jokes and beat everyone at cards. He always made the time to help his family either build or fix something. He built patios and laid down bricks. He was a man of tradition and heritage and never forgot his roots. He loved to pass down and share Italian traditions and holidays with his family.

Benedetto was a devoted husband, dedicated father and beloved Nonno. His family was his life. He loved God and knew that God loved him. He prayed the rosary with his wife every night and was grateful for each new day God gave him. He showed all of us courage in taking risks in life, but never compromising your integrity or faith. He showed us perseverance by pushing through even in his worst days.

We will miss him desperately. He was a true gift to us that will be remembered and his sweet sport will swell in our heats forever. He left a legacy of love that will live on in his children and grandchildren and beyond. Rest in eternity, sweet Benedetto.

Psalm 52:8

But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;

I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

A rosary service for Benedetto will be held Friday, March 31, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at St Kilian Catholic, 26872 Estanciero Road, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 31, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. A committal service will occur Friday, March 31, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Following the burial committal, a reception will be held at the Handal Residence.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorialservices.com for the Di Ganci family.