Benedetto "Bennie" Zanni

94 passed away peacefully at Miriam Hospital on February 6th surrounded by his loving family.

Bennie had a remarkable 94 years on earth.  He attended Johnston Public Schools.  He worked for S & S Screw Company before he was drafted into the United States Air Force on September 6, 1945 and received an honorable discharge on April 30, 1946.  After his discharge he was employed at Hartford Auto Sales from 1946 until 1971 and the United States Postal Service from 1956 until 1971.  While working for the post office, Ben received many rewards for his intuitive inventions which made mail delivery more efficient.  In 1971 he opened up his own business, Manton Auto Parts, Inc.  and in 1983 he opened Zanni and Sons Auto Sales.  Bennie touched many lives with his automotive knowledge and talents.  He retired in 1992.

In 1948 he met the love of his life former Senator Vilma (Croce) whom he married on May 28, 1949, a marriage that flourished for over 72 years. Vilma and Ben were blessed with 6 children who each married amazing partners.  Tenesia Turner (late Kenneth), Marysue Andreozzi (late Robert), Sylvia Sgambato (Bill), Bernard (Nancy Baffoni), Bennie (Celia Illiano) and Christopher (Julie Pontarelli).  He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.  He also leaves behind his precious dog Madonna who was always by his side.

Bennie was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Raffaela Zanni and his stepmother Lucy.  Four sisters, Josephine Parisi, Marie Velino, Anna Ricci, and Rose Marcaccio and three brothers, Michael, Anthony, and Guy.

He proudly served as head usher at the 8:30 am mass at Our Lady of Grace Church in Johnston, RI for 25 years.  He was a member of the St. Lawrence Knights of Columbus Council (4th Degree) #2235 from 1991 to present.  Serving as navigator from 1991 – 1992.  He was also a member of the United Commercial Travelers #67 from 1986 – 2016, serving as senior counselor.  He was a member of the Johnston Democratic Town Committee from 2015 to present and a member of the Citizens Police Academy of the Town of Johnston.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston on Friday at 9 am followed by  a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Our Lady of Grace Church, George Waterman Road, Johnston, RI.  Burial with military honors will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS will be held on Thursday, February 10th from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. All guests are requested to wear masks in the funeral home and the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of Grace Memorial Fund in Ben’s name.