It was a tragedy on many levels.
Concetta DiBenedetto, 78, of Howard Beach, was struck and killed – on her birthday and right before the holidays.
“She was a great woman,” said son-in-law Paolo, who traveled from Florida for DiBenedetto’s wake and funeral, on Monday, November 23.
The tragic accident happened on Thursday, November 19 as DiBenedetto was returning to her 91st Street home – on a quiet, tree-lined street with not much traffic – from a birthday luncheon.
“Her friend dropped her off on 164th Street, on the corner,” Paolo told The Courier. “As she [DiBenedetto] crossed the street, she was hit.”
The 2005 Jeep, driven by a nearby neighbor, according to Paolo, remained on the scene. Police suspect no criminality in the case.
DiBenedetto’s daughter, Maria, who works nearby, according to reports, rushed to the scene as her mother was taken to Jamaica Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
“She was a very, very sweet, good-hearted person,” said her daughter-in-law.
The family has said that they have received a lot of support from the surrounding community following DiBenedetto’s death.
Survived by two sons, two daughters, and four grandchildren, DiBenedetto was laid to rest at Pinelawn Cemetery.
