Harvey Benatovich, 87

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Harvey Benatovich passed away Dec. 11, 2020. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, he was a true gentleman. Graduated from Nichols School and Yale University, he was known for his quick sense of humor; being able to do just about any accent; his love for acting, old movies, singing and dancing; and making everyone feel his warmth and charm.

He is survived by his family who loved him very much: his wife of 62 years Lorelei (Fox) Benatovich; daughters Penny Benatovich and Lisa (Benatovich) Brosofsky; son-in-law Dan Brosofsky; and his beloved granddaughters Sarah and Jillian Brosofsky; as well as Eric Brosofsky; sister Roz Newman; along with many loving friends, in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins. He was the devoted son of the late Eva (Schrutt) and Harry Benatovich, and brother of the late Ted Benatovich.

After college and a brief stay in New York City, he served in the Army in Korea. Upon his return, he married Lorelei, and they settled in Buffalo. He acted in a number of plays at Buffalo’s Studio Arena Theatre, played some characters at the old Fantasy Island and landed a job in an advertising agency. With the advertising experience, he took over all of the advertising for the growing family supermarket chain, Park Edge. Harvey ran the advertising and managed the Transit store. (Every Park Edge store had a Benatovich in it.) Later, he enjoyed rewarding work managing the Broadway Market and with the Job Corps of Western New York.

He will be remembered as the best Dad and Papa ever, great joke teller, fabulous singer, dancer, snappy dresser and die-hard Buffalo Bills fan. Anyone lucky enough to know him adored him.

We would be remiss not to thank our extended “family” of superheroes who showed him love, compassion, fun and laughs and kept him so safe and happy over these last few years: RI VA Geriatric Team, Providence; Winslow Gardens, East Providence; Sister M&M of Sacred Heart “Club” Care Center, East Providence; Saint Elizabeth Community/The Cove, East Greenwich; the entire Butler Hospital Geriatric Senior Care Unit, Providence; and The HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence. Donations in Harvey’s name to any of these tremendous organizations would be so very appreciated.