Edmund Joseph Di Benedetto, 92, passed away on February 14, 2025. A native New Yorker, Ed was born in 1932, in the Bronx, alongside his twin sister, Alma. He was the son of Luigi and Louisa Di Benedetto, both immigrants from Naples, Italy. Shortly after his birth, his father became estranged from the family, leaving Ed to be raised by his mother.
Ed's passion for art began early. He attended the School of Industrial Arts, where he honed his artistic skills, and later served two years in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1954. Determined to further his craft, he worked in various art studios before enrolling at Pratt Institute, where he studied advertising design in the evenings while working as an assistant art director at the Doherty Steers agency.
His talent and dedication led him to a distinguished career as an art director in New York City, most notably at the renowned advertising agency NW Ayer. There, he earned numerous prestigious awards, cementing his legacy in the industry.
In 1952, at Orchard Beach, Ed met Henrietta Giorgio, also from the Bronx. They married in 1956 and built a life together filled with love, family, and shared adventures.
A man of boundless curiosity and craftsmanship, Ed challenged himself not only professionally but in all aspects of life. His interests spanned painting, classical guitar, fly fishing, woodworking, sports cars, sailing, and cooking. He lived by the credo: “Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.” And he did just that.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Henrietta Di Benedetto of Yorktown Heights; his three sons, Steven, Gregory, and Edmund Jr.; his three daughters-in-law; and his five cherished grandchildren.
His passion, creativity, and dedication to excellence will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
