62 The Queens Courier • january 9, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com twitter me @vschneps Better times: Me, surrounded by my “WOW” sisters Gloria D’Amico and Glora Aloise, and former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. come in for our WINTER specials DYNAMIC DENTAL WORK 718-297-4100 • 718-297-4106 175-15 JAMAICA AVENUE • JAMAICA $500 OFF $500 OFF victoria’s secrets VICTORIA SCHNEPS vschneps@queenscourier.com A week of losses It was a sad January 2 when I got the call that cherished friend Gloria Aloise, who had been ill for several years, lost her battle with Parkinson’s disease. But it was a shock when I got the call that my beautiful friend Georgiana Reese-Benatti had lost her beloved Ray, who suffered a massive heart attack and died instantly at home. And with a heavy heart, Debra Markell Kleinert and Barry her husband had to put down their best friend and companion, their beloved purebred dog, Sandy. Then, this past weekend, one of my devoted employees, Barbara Fusco, passed away also. What a week! I met Gloria Aloise when I met Gloria D’Amico decades ago. Both became my “WOW” sisters. They were friends, but more like inseparable siblings, going everywhere together. Each was a dynamo in their respective worlds of work and iron strong allies in the Tamiment Democratic Club. It was Gloria Aloise’s father, Ralph DeMarco, who guided and led the club first, then it passed to Gloria D’Amico, then to Gloria Aloise, and now the district leader is her sister Carol. They have launched many political leaders’ careers, all of whom were respected and effective, such as State Senator Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, the Vallones, Peter Sr. and Jr., State Senator George Onorato and Assemblymember Mike Butler. Gloria was an expert at getting out the vote and making sure her candidates won. I remember like it was yesterday a visit I paid to the school with then Borough President Claire Shulman. Gloria proudly invited us to have lunch at the cafe the students created and ran. It was a delight to see the proud faces of the students. They had prepared the food and served it. What great career training. During challenging budget years Gloria fought for their funding to assure the school’s continuation. And it did survive, bigger and better! Claire recalls that day “ ...the kids prepared our lunch with skill, and the affection on Gloria’s face radiated her pride in them. She will be missed!” A devout Catholic, she adored her two children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and relished her work at Martin de Porres, a school for children with special needs. Gloria, 81, is survived by her husband of 65 years, Edward; her sons Edward and Michael; her daughterin laws, Claudia and Susan; her granddaughters Nicole and Emily; her grandsons-in-law Barry and Patrick; her great grandchildren, Jack and Ella; her sister Carol; nieces, nephews; a large extended family and numerous friends. Gloria was a dynamic community leader, as well as a dedicated social worker. Linda DeSebato said of her “WOW” friend, “I can’t help but picture her being greeted by Gloria D’Amico with a big hug and a deck of cards!” May she rest in peace. Then, shockingly, I got the news that Ray Benatti, 75, had had a massive heart attack and died instantly. Ray and Georgiana were an inseparable pair whose company I enjoyed for years. There was always a glow on Georgiana’s face whenever she was in his presence. In my mind’s eye is Ray’s smiling face, always the perfect gentleman. As Georgiana is one of my “WOW” friends who serves on several Queens not-for-profit boards on behalf of Queens County Savings Bank, we often went out together both socially and to many fund raising events. Both Ray and Georgiana were widowed and Ray had retired from Steinway Movers, so he had plenty of time to shower his affection and love on Georgiana. The only consolation I can offer her is that she had what few women ever experience - the good fortune to be adored and loved! He worshipped the ground she walked on! May it bring her some comfort in these coming days. But we both know, there will always be a hole in our hearts for those we adored and loved! May he too rest in peace. My employee, Barbara Fusco, 70, a Whitestone resident and real estate broker, leaves behind two sons, Christopher and Craig, and granddaughters Julia and Jenna. May she rest in peace. I did have two cats for many years and when we had to move to an apartment that didn’t allow pets I remember the heart wrenching feeling of saying goodbye to them. For Barry and Debra, their dog Sandy, a purebred Golden Retriever named for the darling dog in “Annie,” was their baby. “I loved the song ‘The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow,’” said Debra. “And he was our sun (son)!” He was always there welcoming them home and filling their lives with love. May he rest in peace. For more on Ray Benatti and Gloria Aloise, go online to www. queenscourier.com Dear friend Georgiana Reese-Benatti also lost her beloved husband Ray. The Courier team said goodbye to Barbara Fusco, a valued employee. Debra Markell-Kleinert and her husband Barry lost their dear friend and companion, Sandy.
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