Benedetto "Benny" L. Bergantino

 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Kent County Hospital. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Louis Anthony and Anna Marie (Gamba) Bergantino.

A lifelong resident of Cranston, Benny attended Cranston High School West and worked for the City of Cranston and Almacs Supermarket in East Greenwich before entering the tire business. He was a tire salesman for over 45 years. Benny worked for Falcone’s Tire and Service Center in Norwich, Connecticut, for many years before founding his own company, Bergi’s Tire Inc., in Cranston, in 1989. He retired in 2015.

To know Benny was to love him. As he drove a truck all day, he was known at many garages, coffee shops and diners and would be welcomed with “Hi Ben” or “Hey Bergi,” upon his arrival. He had a love of news, sports – especially the Red Sox and Patriots – old Italian crooners and politics. Benny called himself a “big lever” Democrat, a reference to when voting machines had levers. As he would say, “I pull the big lever, because I want to make sure there are no mistakes.”

Benny was a member of St. Rocco’s Church, a former president of St. Rocco’s bowling league, and loved to play blackjack – making annual trips to Las Vegas with his brothers and frequent trips to donate to “Our Lady of Foxwoods.”

Kind and generous to a fault, he was a loving father, brother and friend. Benny leaves behind a large and loving family and many friends who will miss him dearly. He is survived by his two children: Dawn Bergantino of Cranston and Benny Bergantino and wife Tricia of Warwick; as well as two grandchildren, Abigail and Henry. He is also survived by his brothers: John Bergantino and wife Sandra of Scituate; and Louis Bergantino and wife Joanne of Cranston; his former wife and close friend Gail Bergantino of Warwick, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He is preceded in death by his brother Raymond Bergantino and sister Maryann Lebel. 

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Ave. Cranston on Thursday July 18, 2024 at 9 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Rocco’s Church 927 Atwood Ave. Johnston at 10 am. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours are Wednesday July 17, 2024 from 4 pm -8 pm .In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cranston Adult Day Services c/o Cranston Department of Senior Services, 1070 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI 02920. 

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