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Celebrating the life of
Louis John DiBenedetto
Passed away on February 05, 2021
Louie DiBenedetto, born February 4th 1931 and died February 5th 2021. He was a parishioner of St. Michael’s Catholic Church at Tybee Island, GA for 35 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 5588 for over 40 years and is an honorary life member. Louie was a veteran of the Korean War in the early fifties when he served with the 5th Rifle Co. USMCR.
Very active in sports for most of his life, notably coaching and playing football at Commercial High School where he was a star player in 1948-1949 and received All City and All Region Honors. He was a life-long member of the Cobra Club.
Louie coached the Knights of Columbus Swim Team from 1967 to 1977 where his team won 3 straight City Championships and produced many outstanding swimmers. He coached over 150 swimmers in his 10 years. He was awarded Knight of the Year in 1977.
He coached Girls Softball for over 20 years with county teams most notably with Island Girls, St. James, St. Michael’s, Blessed Sacrament and St. Vincent’s Academy High School.
He received the first Dr. Willian Clary award from the American Red Cross for 262 apheresis donations over an 8-year span.
He retired from the Atlanta Gas Light Company in 1995 after 39 years of loyal and dedicated service.
During his retirement years he was employed with Rabey Electric Co. for many years “Say The Number”.
One of Louie’s most fond memories is when the family was at the beach on Tybee every summer where he played half rubber, hand ball, horse shoes, bocce and riding waves with all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jimmye Lou, daughters, Dianne, Dawn Shay (Sam), Angela, Tina Swisher (Mike), his very own saint, Laurie Ann, eleven grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Margaret DiBenedetto, brothers, Charlie and Frank and sister, Theresa.
Private Mass at St, Michael’s Church at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8 (available by livestream on St. Michael’s website - https://saintmichaelstybee.org/#live) followed by private graveside service at the Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to The Fresh Air Home, P.O. Box 14144, Savannah, GA 31416 as The Fresh Air Home of Tybee made a significant impact on Louie’s life.
Much prayer and love being sent to Jimmye and all Louie's family. He was a wonderful person and I am blessed to have known him. God bless him and all his family. Love, Connie
- Connie McBride, Tybee Island, Georgia
Our condolences to the family. He was such a sweet and loving man. Meredith Herb
- Meredith Herb Sean Herb and family , Savannah , GA
A candle has been lit!
- Jan Holland Ethridge , Alpharetta , Ga
Louie was a great person on 2nd Ave at Tybee. Our condolences, Morgan family
- Henry Morgan, Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Vincent Powers , Savannah , Georgia
Mr. “D” always had a welcoming smile and what a laugh every time I came across him, especially when I would walk the beach at Tybee. I never heard a negative word out of his mouth! My prayers for the whole DiBenedetto family. May the Lord bring you great Peace and Comfort in your time of sorrow.
- Brian Welch, Odessa, FL
We were so saddened to hear of your sweet daddy’s passing. May God provide you wilt His deep peace and love... May perpetual light shine upon him.
- Kelly Kilpatrick Hunt, Savannah, GA
What a great and wonderful American we lost with Louie’s passing. He touched thousands of lives in a positive way with his eternal optimism and words of encouragement. Rest In Peace, Louie.
- Jean and Mike deVegter, Savannah, Ga
I am so saddened to hear the passing of Mr."D". He was such a good man! My Thoughts and Prayers are with you Mrs."D" and Family. George Peters
- George PETERS, Savannah, GA
I miss having breakfast with him and Pete every Friday, hearing their jawing back and forth and all the many stories. They both were a connection for me to my own father. I know he's left a huge hole to fill in your lives but I'm sure the many memories and his jokes will help you through it. God Bless.
- Larry Miles, Savannah, Georgia
Louie was the bright flame in the room. I worked with him at AGL, and will cherish his memory always.
- Michael j Gross, Savannah, GA
We were so sorry to hear of Mr. DeBenedetto’s passing. Our prayers are that the family will find peace and comfort in knowing the joy and laughter he gave to so many. Sitting on 9th Street at Tybee was a highlight and watching the many Bocce Ball games. He had such a gift with making us laugh at the craziness he and Mr. Loncon had to offer the group. We will miss seeing him around Tybee and at PaPa’s BBQ. He always greeted us with a welcomed smile. You can bet that Heaven is laughing at the antics of a wonderful group of men and women. He will be missed but these memories will be with us forever.
- Steve and Kathy (Daly) Salter, Tybee Island, GA
A candle has been lit!
Louie will be missed by many. I last talked with him at the post office as we always greeted each other. As with so many others, Louie was a valued part of Tybee life.
- Jim Glass, Tybee Island, GA
Louie was one of a kind. Glenda and I spent a lot of time at the DeBenetto's. in the mid sixties. Not only was he "the strongest man in Cresthill" but he and Jimmyelou were our roll models for raising a family. As Louie liked to say when playing cards "My ship is coming in".
- Michael Manucy Sr , Anderson, SC
I am so very sorry to learn of Uncle Louie's passing. I have wonderful memories of your whole family and growing up at y'alls house on Cresthill Ave. and Uncle Louie palying half rubber in the street in front of our homes with all the young boys. He will be sorely missed. God Bless each and every one of you. RIP Uncle Louie
- DeAnna Davenport, Bluffton, SC
Chris and I met Louie many years ago at YMCA. If we were staying at Tybee we would usually ride bikes or walk by his house, where he was usually outside & would stop and talk to him. He was always so nice, funny & upbeat. Strangely, I knew him for several years before I realized he was my friend, Susie’s uncle. I know he will be missed by many. Prayers for his family. Fondly, Betty Ann & Chris Di Silvestro
- BettyAnn , Savannah , GA
A candle has been lit!
- Phyllis & Tommy Alford, Georgia, GA
I was so sorry to read of Uncle Louie's passing. Growing up across the street from y'all I felt like you were family. If not for him I'm not sure my family and I would have lived. He was literally a "Lifesaver". The carbon monoxide would have killed us. But thanks to him we are still alive to tell about it. Uncle Louie was a wonderful man and someone I will never forget. My deepest condolences to all of you. I pray that God will bring you peace now and in the days ahead.
- Dawn Reynolds, BLUFFTON, SC
Praying for you all and remembering such a kind gentleman
- Frances Kaye Strickland , Tybee Islamd, Ga
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I worked with Louie for several years and he was always entertaining with the stories he shared of his family and life at the beach.
- Dencie Edgy
Louie was the genuine article. Whether he was patting you on the back or giving you the needle (something he was VERY good at) you always left with a smile on your face. He was a fine gentleman and I will miss him a lot. My heart goes out to the whole family. Savannah lost a good one there.
- mike finocchiaro, savannah, GA
I am so very sorry to learn of Uncle Louie's passing. My memories of him are when I was a child on the beach at Tybee. He was the liveliest of all the adults and so much fun! Sincerest condolences to the family especially, Aunt Jimmye Lou. May he Rest In Peace.
- Lara Manucy Williams, York , SC
Dear Kelli and family, I am so sorry to learn of Louie's passing. I loved playing softball for him and enjoyed seeing him play in our horseshoe tournament at the beach for many years. I will always remember him with a smile.
- Caroline Koncul Nelson, Statesboro, GA
I remember this wonderful family from my youth and I esp remember Mr. DiBenedetto from the American Red Cross with all his donations. I worked at the ARC and remember how he lit up the room when he came in and everyone enjoyed his visits to donate apheresis. He was a kind man of faith. I remember Mrs. DiBenedetto also as a loving and kind lady. My heart is with your family as you mourn his death while celebrating his wonderful life and eternal rest with our Lord and savior. God bless your family.
- Josie Murphy, Savannah, Georgia
Dianne, I am so sorry for the loss of your Father, I remember he had a wonderful sense of humor. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
- Bonnie Andrews , Guyton, Georgia
So sorry to hear of Louie’s passing. We worked together for a few years. Always a gentleman, sharing stories of family & friends. My thoughts are with his family.
- Kathy Atherton, Savannah, Georgia
I bowled on the same league as Louie many years ago. He was competitive but always a "nice guy". Later I spent many weekends walking the beach at Tybee (foot of 8th Lane) after I visited cousins who lived in a cottage nearby and there I would usually see Louie, his wife and family enjoying life on the beach. Louie always had his trusty beach wagon in tow to bring the refreshments and chairs along. I didn't know him well but he made a great impression of being a good person on me.
- David Zerman Oppenheim, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900
- A Private Service Will Be Held