Benjamin J Restifo

Glenville- Benjamin J. Restifo, 82, of Glenville passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2017. He was born in Schenectady in 1935 a son of the late Benjamin and Carmella Restifo. He was educated in local schools. For many years he and his wife Florence owned and operated the Hallmark Card and Gift Gallery in the former Curry Road Shopping Plaza in Rotterdam. Ben served in the United States Army Air Corps during the Korean War and jumped many missions as a paratrooper. Ben loved animals, especially Rick’s dog, Bonnie. He loved Saratoga Harness Track so much that he and Florence owned a pacer who was a winner during the 1970’s. In recent years he was at the Saratoga Racino often playing the horses. He loved the new Rivers Casino and was often a fixture there as well as OTB. He is survived by his nieces Marianne (Richard) Zarelli, Laurie Restifo-Kotecki and grandnieces and grandnephew. Ben is also survived by his wife’s children, Richard “Rick” DiCresce and Debora “Debbie” DiCresce-Kinns (Brad Titus). He was predeceased by his wife Florence in 2004, his daughter-in-law Karen DiCresce in 2006 and his son-in-law, Lewis R. Kinns, Jr., in 1986. Ben was also predeceased by all of his siblings. Sisters, Jennie Riggi, Arlene Hladik, and brothers, Dominick and Joseph. Family and friends are invited to call at the DeMarco Stone Funeral Home , Inc. 1605 Helderberg Ave Rotterdam on Thursday August 31, 2017 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Friday September 1, 2017 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery Glenville.