Beninato, Michael Joseph Age 46, became suddenly ill and died on Wednesday, May 30, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was born August 20, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois to Michael and Shirley Beninato. He spent his childhood in Chicago, attending St. Michael Elementary School and Marist High School. He attended Loyola University in Chicago and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He started his career in the accounting department of Palos Community Hospital. He joined Springfield Service Corporation as an account executive, and after five years, moved up to President and CEO. Springfield Service Corporation specializes in medical billing services. He was also a director of Baytree National Bank and Trust Company in Lake Forest, Illinois. Michael will be missed by many. He was an amazing husband, father and business leader. He was a great friend to all he knew. Michael moved to Arizona two years ago with his family. Formerly, they lived in the Chicago area for most of their lives. He is survived by his wife Wendy (nee Budz) of 19 years and his three children, Michael, Isabella and Luciano. He is also survived by his sisters Kathy Markezinis, Karen Heimsath, Betty Morrissey, Phyllis (Michael) DeRubeis, Ann (Denis) Prud'Homme, Maria (Rich) Cronin, Susan (John) Symmes; brother Matthew (Heather) Beninato, and in-laws Rich and Bernie Budz, Greg and Jeff Budz and godchildren Jessica Budz, Sophia Flynn, Alex Prud'Homme and Jason Symmes. He is preceded in death by his brother Wayne "Sonny" Beninato, and his parents Michael and Shirley Beninato. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be said at 10:00 a.m. in Orland Park, Illinois at Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Beninato Memorial Fund, c/o Doreen Wolf, Baytree National Bank, 664 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest, Illinois.
Published in Chicago Sun-Times on June 10, 2012
