Thomas Berenato

THOMAS "TOM" BERENATO Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather July 16, 1925 ~ February 10, 2011 Tom Berenato passed away Thursday, February 10, 2011, at the age of 85 after a relatively brief illness. He and his family made Riverside, California, their home for nearly 50 years. Born July 16, 1925, in Hannibal, Missouri, he lived a long and fulfilling life--more than 60 of those years were spent with the love of his life, Helen Berenato. They observed their 60th wedding anniversary in his hospital room just two days before he entered eternal life in heaven. Tom's life was as interesting and varied as one could hope to have. He enjoyed fishing, rock collecting and other outdoor activities. Las Vegas was one of his favorite places. He was an avid stamp collector, and enjoyed technology and organizing family photos and videos on his computer. He also had an appreciation for art and other museums and delighted in sharing with his children and grandchildren the learning experiences these offered. He was an excellent provider for his family, and focused his energies during his working years and in retirement to help them reach their potential. The experiences and wisdom he shared will live in their hearts and guide them throughout the years to come. He served his country in the United States Air Force for 23 and one-half years and retired at March Air Force Base as a Senior Master Sergeant. His duties included service in foreign countries. After retirement from the military, he successfully pursued a second career as a purchasing agent for a major furniture company. Tom is survived by his wife Helen, their children Larry, Karen Berenato Holloway, Greg and Dave, his grandchildren Elizabeth and Katie Holloway, and son-in-law Steve Holloway. Visitation will be at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary (7944 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside) on Tuesday, February 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (5250 Central Avenue, Riverside) on Wednesday, February 23, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at 12 p.m., with full military honors, at Riverside National Cemetery (22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside). Friends are also invited to join the family for a Reception of Remembrance at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church immediately following the cemetery services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Tom's name to The Wylie Center, 4164 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501; (951) 683-5193; www.wyliecenter.org. Arrangements under the direction of Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary (951) 688-1221