Bennett D. "Benny" Alongi

Bennett Alongi, age 77, of Seneca Falls, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17th, 2024, at Highland Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by his wife and daughters. 

Bennett was born in Waterloo, NY and attended local schools. He served proudly in the US Army during Vietnam. Over the years, Benny held a few different jobs, but most notable was his time at Seneca Army Depot where he was primarily a carpenter, but was really a jack-of-all-trades, taking care of anything that came along his way. He retired from the Depot in 1999 and continued keeping himself busy with daily projects and family obligations. 

A true outdoorsman, Benny loved the Finger Lakes and the endless options to be outside either hunting or fishing. For many years it was an annual tradition for him and his daughters to compete in the National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake. He was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed hunting, offering guided hunts on the Depot after it closed. He also enjoyed wood-working and riding motorcycles.

For many years, Benny was known around town for two things, his sandrail car and his mohawk hair style. Both of which he displayed proudly. 

He did not know a stranger and found comfort in talking to people he didn’t know. Whether he was talking about his daughters, the weather, or general life lessons, he was full of advice and opinions. 

Of all the things Benny accomplished over his life, he was most proud of his daughters and his grandchildren. He loved to spend time with his grandkids, watching their sporting events, having them over to the house, and just being around them sharing time with them. He was a Poppy that most could only dream of. 

Benny is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deborah; daughters, Tina (James) Hedinger, Michelle (Steven) Hohl, Bris (Walter) Hagen, Bryn (Michael) Hilbert, Stacia (Perry) Friend; grandkids, CJ, Cameron, Chelsea, Jerrall, Corey, Sydney, Kierstin, Jeffery, Sarah, Emma, Brayden, Mackenzie; twelve great-grandchildren; sisters, Linda (Michael) Bentley, Terri Valerio, Tammi (Carlos) Carrasco; mother-in-law, Joyce Clark; a friend who was like a son, Joe Pullano; service dog, Apollo; very favorite K9 companion, Holly; and several nieces and nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his father, Sam Alongi; mother, Marjorie King; brother, Leslie Alongi; and brother-in-law, Michael Valerio. 

In keeping with Benny’s wishes, all services are private, held at the convenience of his family. For those wishing, donations in memory may be directed to Beverly Animal Shelter.