Written by: Fred, Irene & Family
October 1, 1989
To our Wonderful Family:
It has been on my mind for some time to put down in writing a number of thoughts and feelings I've had regarding our wonderful family. I wish my father and mother, as well as Louie, Herman and Uncle Frank, could also read what I am about to share with you. Having crossed over into the spirit realm, I'm sure they are aware of what I'm trying to express on their behalf. I hope the words that follow might have the impact of bringing our wonderful family closer together. I would like to play a role in promoting an improved sense of understanding, togetherness, love and respect for each other.
Our family story is not some work of fiction where an author has complete control of the characters, deciding on personalities, setting up problems, and working out solutions. Each of us came into this world with different abilities, interests, drives and destinies. As we co-mingle with life's circumstances, these factors shape the path our lives will take. Considering the pride and stubbornness that we can all fall prey to, it is almost a miracle that anyone finds balance and peace of mind. I look back on my life and see too many opportunities where I could have made a difference, lost for one reason or another. I made mistakes. We make mistakes, poor choices, get angry, and forget the welfare of the family, the love we have for each other.
We are not the only family to which this has happened. What person or family has not experienced similar rifts that tore apart a cohesive family? Despite what we could have or should have done differently, we must never lose sight of how important it is to overcome the problems that divide us and heal the wounds so that the once-healthy and vibrant soul and spirit of our proud family heritage can grow strong again. Inherent in our name, Bencriscutto, which means "well brought up" was a beacon lighting the way to a life full of promise.
As our family tree grew, each new branch brought forth fruit in the form of new members of our family that we can all be proud of. Noteworthy achievements and successes mean something, of course, but each family member makes a significant contribution in his or her own realm of influence by sharing the love that is within.
Ma and Pa came to this country with very little in the way of material resources. They had an inner reserve, however, a determination to become self-sufficient, a resolve to strive for a better life, no matter what it took. They brought with them a strong sense of family and a commitment to establish, nurture and protect their own family unit. These values were passed down to their children, and grandchildren, and on and on. This legacy is to be valued much more that any material thing they could have willed to us. With this inheritance each member of the Bencriscutto family finds he or she has something significant to offer to the world and to each other.
Mom and Dad gave us life, a disciplined way of living and showed us what love of family and love of God meant. Then, the older brothers and sisters taught us more. They endured the struggles for survival during the early years of resettlement, the depression period, and they accepted sacrificing their own personal needs for the sake of the growing family. They looked after the younger ones that followed. They took on household chores and went out to work in order to make sure that everyone had a decent life. They helped us cope with fears concerning problems that came from outside the secure confines of our family. You planted the seeds of character and instilled a drive to succeed. We wanted to follow in your accomplished footsteps. Looking back through more mature eyes, we can see how valuable you were as role models.
I know we often became preoccupied with our own personal goals and the demands of daily living, so that we neglected to express our appreciation for you and the family as a whole. There are so many memories that I wish I could preserve in the time capsule of the written word but here are a few I would like to share with you.
Ma & Pa's 50th Wedding Celebration
Our Christmas Dinners at the Spinning Wheel
Easter Gatherings when, as a Gesture of Love and
Respect, one by one we would Kiss Father's hand, Followed byMother walking around the Table
Allowing each of us to Kiss her Hand.
Our Family Picnics with the wonderful Italian Food,
Music and Dancing.
The Bocci Games that the older boys, Santo, Veach,
Louie, Mike and Herman would win, year after year,
Against Danti, Fred, Ernie, Ray and Frank.
Our interactions on every level have influenced each other even though some relationships have been closer, some more distant, as is normal and natural in a large family. We have all been blessed to be born into such an extraordinary family. Bolstered by such a support group, each member of our family can explore and develop his or her potential, experiencing the excitement of meeting the challenges of a life lived to the fullest. As I write these words, I'm reminded of the many achievements already accomplished, and I am stunned to think of what the future of our family will bring. Future successes and failures still lay unwritten. Like an author of a book, we have the possibility to correct mistakes, rewrite and control the destinies of our lives.
I hope that those who come after us and read our account of the Bencriscutto Family will say that we overcame the difficult, divisive periods in our family history and replaced them with forgiveness and love. Our family will not end with the passing of my generation but will continue on in the lives of our children and their children. From Ma & Pa came ten children, twenty couples; from them has come a new generation of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Together we are a resource that each of us can draw on for strength and support, in good times and in times of need. Please use the following directory information to reach out to the members of our family and, in so doing, maintain and strengthen the proud legacy of the Bencriscutto Family.
LA FAMIGILA DI BENCRISCUTTO
Written by: Fred, Irene & Family
October 1, 1989
This is a prayer that Fred prayed each day on behalf of the family:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only
say the word and I shall be healed.
I pray for my wife, and our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. I pray, my God, that you are with each of us every moment of our lives, helping us to resolve the problems which confront each one of us each day.
Give us the strength, courage, patience, forgiveness, the love, and most of all, the faith in my God we need to resolve our problems in such a way that we find happiness. Grant that any action we take to resolve our problems is pleasing to you, my God.
God grant that our family is free from harm, this day, this night, and that we may be with you, now and forever.
I pray for our parents, brother Lou, Herman, Uncle Frank, Mary Firtko, John Husik and Grandma Husik. I pray for Frank Litrenta, Tony Moratto and John Porcaro, my friends who passed over, and so many more that I might fail to mention.
I pray that they are all in heaven and those of us still on earth seek their prayers.
I pray for Steve, Joe, Marie and their families. I pray for my brothers and sisters and their families with special prayers for any children in the family having problems adjusting to life.
I pray for all who took the time to touch my life during my illness, and the many who continue to stand by me. Special prayers for the Maltlins, the Barnetts, the Resnicks, The Gelfunds, A. Blitstein, Mr. & Mrs. Feldman, the Saslavsky's and so many more at the country club where I worked. I pray for the staff that has always treated me with kindness and cooperation.
I pray for all the people I met in the hospital who were grievously ill and passed away. I pray for a young boy who lived across the street and died at the age of seven from cancer. I pray to console his family. I pray for Pat Klein who died of cancer at 25 and for his wife Sue and their children. I pray for Bernie Vowels, Dennis Lampert and Steve Sonoga and their new baby Zachary.
I pray for Renee and Jim, Roxane, and Dave, that they find love, happiness and place God first in their lives every moment.
God willing, I pray that my wife and I and our family will be given a little more time to be together.
Lord I am not worth to receive you, but say only the word and I shall be healed,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, amen.
Thank you God for all I have been given. Help me to carry my burden of illness and grant that I shall know and love you, now and forever.
The Bencriscutto Family Newsletter - 3d Edition
(an account of the first annual family picnic)
The gray skies and threat of rain seemed secondary to the warmth and sunshine which filtered into Pierce Woods with the arrival of the members of our wonderful family. I'm sure Ma and Pa were there influencing the return of good weather. They enjoyed seeing the family together and extended their blessings to all.
There was talking, laughter and play as the family soon filled the wooded area. The giant oak trees, massive outstretched limbs reaching toward heaven, seemed to be swaying as though caught up in the atmosphere filled with warmth, strength and the love of family members for one another. Freshly fashioned Italian delicacies began to crowd on the serving table.
Even Ma, who is the world's best Italian cook, was impressed with the variety and quality of the food prepared by her children and their families. With keen eyes and competitive spirit, Pa made his presence known as his sons and their sons rolled and pitched bocci balls in an effort to take that last point. After all the coaching and body English was over, the annual family bocci tournament was won by the "Masters," Santo, Mino, Veach, Lou and Mike. The Masters went through the round-robin event undefeated and walked off with the money and trophies awarded later.
All of the children and grandchildren seemed to enjoy seeing each other, catching up through conversation and being involved in the activities of the day. The Chartered 20 looked on with pride, love and in prayer for the future of our wonderful family.
As darkness closed in, the food and refreshments were divided. With words of farewell, kisses and hugs all around, wishes for good fortune and good-byes, the first annual family picnic became part of our Bencriscutto Family History.
Thank yous are extended to the members of the committee - Santo & Mary, Herman & Irene, Veach & Jane, Lou & Adeline and Mike and Martha for preparing such an excellent event. (Held August, 1977
The Bencriscutto Family Newsletter - 5th Edition
Colored lights flickered and melodies elevated our mood while DJ, Joe Porcaro, turned the discs and, like magic, the young and the young-at-heart, were set in motion by the rhyme and meter of the music. It marked the beginning of another joyous and successful family conclave, planned and organized by Frank & Diane, Joe & Judy, David & Mary Ann and members of the first committee. Every aspect of the festivities was first rate, surpassed only by the sight, sounds and touch of family togetherness.
Near the stroke of midnight, the lights dimmed, the music quieted, and each group gathered and went its own way, knowing that the picnic was only a few short hours away. As the sun reached its peak, the Family returned to the grounds of St. Rita's church. Food and refreshments were available. The bocci championship went to the perennial "Kings," Santo, Herman, Veach, Lou, and Mike; however, this year they had to call upon all of their skill, determination, and experience to win the series after suffering their first defeat ever at the hands of the young "Bulls."
After dinner the committee was thanked for its exceptional efforts and a short business meeting was held.
(December 3, 1978)
The Bencriscutto Family Newsletter - 6th Edition
Another year comes to a close with the family continuing to grow, in numbers, in health, in their achievements and with a greater capacity to respect and love one another. Looking back fills us with pride; while looking ahead we look forward to witnessing the grand potential of our family unfold.
The family picnic, held on August 4 & 5, was a resounding success. At the dance on Saturday was displayed every possible kind of choreography known to man, and a few new steps created on the spot. The joy of family fun filled the dance floor. Even Mike, whose "stepping" talents are known to be in other areas, ended up with dance-floor rosin on his Etonic shoes.
The family picnic was enjoyed by all. The bocci championship went to the perennial "Kings" Santo, Herman, Veach, Lou and Mike. The "Knights" were humiliated in their efforts and, in retrospect, the team may be too highly educated for its own good! The young "Bulls" made another valiant charge but could not muster enough momentum to dethrone the "Kings." The volleyball games were hard fought, but, in the end, that game belongs to the young. I jammed my finger which hasn't recovered yet! The conversation, food and activities kept everyone involved until the point where exhaustion set in and the setting sun closed the curtain on the wonderful gathering.
Of course, these family gatherings would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of those on the committee - this year - Rosie & Ray, Esther & Dante and their helpers. We extend our thanks!
The family Christmas dinner was a "Love-In" with fine food, much conversation, and a growing appreciation for our parents and our families. We rose to our feet, with glasses held high, and gave thanks to Lou & Ad for hosting the event again this year. Lou filled the cordial glasses, marking the end of the dinner, while the Family settled back into a sharing session before the Family meeting began.
(December 29, 1979)
Uncle Frank's 82nd Birthday Poem
Ready to discuss the world's problems, and you'll see,
Most all he tells us does come true
So, Listen and a little wiser you'll be.
He's a backbone to Kelly's all those years
Chili and beef, so good everyone cheers.
Busy gardening, raising vegetables galore
Made the ones' look sick, you bought at the store.
Nieces, nephews and restaurant-goers can say
Never had so much nutrition come their way.
Anna so energetic and spry
Filled freezers and jars, till they reached the sky.
Ready to lend a helping hand
Whenever one of the family was in demand.
So, Uncle Frank, we'd like you to know
We all appreciate you, and hope it does show.
And with love in our hearts, we're all saying today
Many happy returns, on this special birthday.
(written by Elreda)
THE BENCRISCUTTO CHILDREN MARRIED
INTO 10 WONDERFUL FAMILIES
SANTO BENCRISCUTTO MARRIED
MARY DOMANIK.................. 02/15/1947
IRENE BENCRISCUTTO MARRIED
HERMAN PORCARO............... 10/26/1935
VINCENT BENCRISCUTTO MARRIED
JANE HADLEY........................ 11/27/1943
LOUIS BENCRISCUTTO MARRIED
ADELINE CATAPANO............... 08/17/1946
MIKE BENCRISCUTTO MARRIED
MARTHA KROLL..................... 08/07/1943
ESTHER BENCRISCUTTO MARRIED
DANTE RENZONI.................... 11/30/1946
FRED BENCRISCUTTO MARRIED
IRENE FIRTKO......................... 06/17/1950
ANTOINETTE BENCRISCUTTO MARRIED
ERNEST NIL0......................... 06/18/1949
FRANK BENCRISCUTTO MARRIED
JEAN FISCHER....................... 12/22/1951
ROSE BENCRISCUTTO MARRIED
RAYMOND PULDA.................... 07/05/1952
A Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace that where there is hatred, I may bring love, that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness, that where there is discord, I may bring harmony, that where there is error, I may bring truth, that where there is doubt, I may bring faith, that where there is despair, I may bring hope, that where there is sadness, I may bring joy, that where there are shadows, I may bring the light.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted, that I may understand rather than need to be understood, that I may love rather than seek to be loved. For it is by giving that one receives, it is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
HOW WE EACH LIVE OUR LIVES REFLECTS UPON ALL OF US
THE BENCRISCUTTOS AND THEIR SPOUSES
LISTED BY AGE
1. HERMAN PORCARO................ FEBRUARY 2, 1913
2. SANTO BENCRISCUTTO........... MARCH 24, 1913
3. IRENE BENCRISCUTTO............ JANUARY 12, 1915
4. MARY DOMANIC.................... JANUARY 17, 1916
5. VINCENT BENCRISCUTTO........ NOVEMBER 23, 1916
6. MARTHA KROLL..................... FEBRUARY 14, 1919
7. LOUIS BENCRISCUTTO............ MAY 18, 1919
8. MIKE BENCRISCUTTO.............. FEBRUARY 6, 1921
9. DANTE RENZONI.................... APRIL 8, 1922
10. JANE HADLEY........................ OCTOBER 14, 1922
11. ESTHER BENCRISCUTTO.......... FEBRUARY 19, 1923
12. FRED BENCRISCUTTO............... NOVEMBER I, 1924
13. ADELINE CATAPANO............... FEBRUARY 8, 1925
14. IRENE FIRTKO........................ JANUARY 10, 1926
15. ANTOINETTE BENCRISCUTTO... DECEMBER 12, 1926
16. ERNEST NILO......................... AUGUST 12, 1927
17. FRANK BENCRISCUTTO.......... SEPTEMBER 21, 1928
18. RAYMOND PULDA.................. MAY 30, 193O
19. ROSE BENCRISCUTTO.............. OCTOBER 30, 1930
20. JEAN FISCHER........................ JUNE 24, 1931
Memories just for you and me . . .
We must count our garden by the flowers
Never by the leaves that fall.
Count our days by sunny hours,
Not remembering the clouds at all.
Count our nights by stars, not shadows:
Count our lives with smiles, not tears.
And when our lives have reached their
Autumn, all that will count is our love
for each other.
THE ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS OF THE
MOMS AND DADS OF THE GRANDCHILDREN
SANTO AND MARY BENCRISCUTTO1344 JEFFERSONRACINE, WIS. 53404
262-633-3556
IRENE AND HERMAN PORCARO
(DECEASED)VINCENT AND JANE BENCRISCUTTO(VINCENT DECEASED)204A S. ITASCAPLAINVIEW, TEXAS 79072
806-296-0385
LOUIS AND ADELINE BENCRISCUTTO
(LOUIS DECEASED)
4926 TWIN ELM DR.
RACINE, WIS. 53402
262-637-4739
MICHAEL AND MARTHA BENCRISCUTTO
(MIKE DECEASED)
6121 GOLF RIDGE DR.
RACINE, WIS. 53402ESTHER AND DANTE RENZONI4715 SHEBOYGAN AVE.MADISON, WIS. 53705
608-232-9337
FRED AND IRENE BENCRISCUTTO(FRED DECEASED)8 CRESTVIEW TERRACEBUFFALO GROVE, IL. 60089
847-537-0523
ANTOINETTE AND ERNEST NILO
6333 PINEHURST POINTE
WESTERVILLE, OHIO 43082
614-885-6752
FRANK AND JEAN BENCRISCUTTO(FRANK & JEAN DECEASED)3071 NORTH CHURCHILL ST.ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55113
651-484-6411
ROSE AND RAYMOND PULDA
1040 PRAIRIE DR. #18
RACINE, WIS. 53406
262-886-5690
Another Day
Another day to know the love
Of Family and friends.
Another day to make amends
Before life's journey ends.
Another day to realize the joy that life can be,
Another day to thank the Lord for all the blessings given.
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