Philip Bentivegna

Philip Andrew Bentivegna, 76, of Norwich, passed away peacefully with his daughters at his side on October 19, 2017 at the New York State Veteran’s Home in Oxford.

Philip was born on March 10, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY. Phil was the only son of Rose and Andrew Bentivegna. His parents died when he was young and he subsequently moved to Plattsburgh, NY to live with his beloved Aunt Grace. Phil graduated from Plattsburgh High School and then served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After completing his service, he went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from Plattsburgh and completed his master’s degree in psychology at SUNY Cortland.

Phil lived mainly in Norwich, was married, and is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Petrie, her husband David, and their two children, his daughter, Emily Bentivegna, and her two children, and his step-daughter, Rev. Jennifer Westervelt, her husband David, and their two children. Phil often traveled with his daughters to the Adirondacks and to Plattsburgh where they shared wonderful memories.

Phil was always seen at local craft shows displaying and selling his works of poetry and custom framing, while also sharing his wit and humor and joy for life with the locals. One of his most memorable poems ‘On Golden Pond’ was loved and appreciated by the actress Katherine Hepburn. He also published a book titled ‘September Inventory’ with a copy currently in Guernsey Library.

For 30 years, Phil worked in the recreation department at Broome Developmental in Binghamton, NY, until he suffered a severe stroke in the summer of 1996. He was beloved by his coworkers, the residents, and the community of Norwich. Phil was very active and had a passion for sports, mainly basketball. He was often seen driving around town in his mustang convertible with the top down and his beautiful Old English Sheepdog at his side.

He had a long strenuous journey during his illness but still found the strength to see his beloved daughters graduate from high school, and become successful women and mothers. Phil had a warm, compassionate heart, and was an exceptional father.

He shall live on in all of our hearts and always be with us.

A prayer service for Phil will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home, in Norwich, at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2017, where the Rev. Gerard Lupa will officiate. Burial will immediately follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Sunday, October 29, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Phil’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, or to the Poetry Society of America, 15 Gramercy Park, New York, NY 10003.