Bartholomeo (Benny) Ficeto, loving brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, entered into eternal life on December 25, 2022. Benny was born and raised in the Silver Lake section of Belleville. His parents, Bartholomeo and Mary Ursula (Sena) Ficeto, were hard working Italian immigrants who instilled their values on all of their children.
At the tender age of 7, yes 7, Benny started his own shoe-shine business at the corner of Naples Avenue and Franklin St. He would proudly run home every day to give his earnings to his mom. Years later, he worked as a Barber until serving in World War II.
A decorated World War II Veteran, Benny served in the Army Air Force as a gunner on a b-25 Mitchell Bomber where he flew mainly over Northern Africa and Italy. He and his squadron received many awards and decorations for numerous successful missions, but he always remembered “the Boys who didn’t make it back”.
After the War, he operated a power press at the Lionel Train Company, then worked as the Chemical Warehouse Supervisor at L’Oréal, where he retired in his 80s. Even after retiring he worked several other jobs around town, finding a new work home at Stop & Shop in Bloomfield, and then in Edison, where he was famously known as “Benny the Bagger”. He worked there until he was 98 years old.
A devout Catholic, Benny was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. His dedication, respect, and love for his parish was deep-rooted and profound. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, Amvets, and VFW. Benny is a legend in the community. He connected with the young and old, with his sharp wit, sense of humor, and “Words of Wisdom”.
Benny was the beloved brother of Vivian Geluso, Jenny Monterosa, Margaret Raimo, Catherine Simini, Geraldo Ficeto, Olimpia Ficeto, and Antoinette Ficeto. He is survived by his dear nephew Daniel Reynolds, along with many more loving family members and friends.
Visiting will be on Friday 12/30/22 from 8:30am-10:30am at the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Saint Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Belleville at 11am, and burial will follow at the Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield.