Eugene (Gene) Benedetto was reunited with the love of his life , Barbara of 67 years on Friday, September 9, 2022. His life's journey ended and t he heavens welcomed a hero , a loving father , grandfather and great-grandfather . Gene passed peacefully surrounded by his family. Gene, as everyone knew him is survived by his daughters Barbara-Jean Dowling, son-in-law Matthew; Joan Marie Granato, son-in-law Eric; and Lauren Sidders, son-in-law Claudio. Gene (Popi) leaves behind his grandchildren, Tina Butler; Colin Dowling; Cheyenne Dowling; Conner Granato; Ryan Granato; Claudio Sidders; Geno Sidders; & Kristina Sidders. He left us all too soon to meet his Great-grandaughter; but we know he's seen her on his way up to the heaven s . A lifelong resident of Bayonne , b orn on September 29, 1930 to Archangelina & Michael Benedetto; brother to Madeline Brysoka; Michael Benedetto Jr.; Victor Benedetto; & Anthony Benedetto; deceased siblings, Mary Noto ; Joseph Benedetto ; Pasquale Benedetto; Frank Benedetto ; Nicholas Benedetto . Gene was a quiet and humble man who was loved , respected and admired by his nieces, nephews and many friends . "Once a Marine, always a Marine."  Gene, a proud U.S. Marine veteran, served in the Korean War, Missing in Action, wounded, thus receiving the Purple Heart for hi s service.  He was a self-made man, hardworking, a longtime Longshoreman with the International Longshoremen's Association until his retirement from the Military Ocean Terminal, Bayonne. Although not a carpenter by trade, he enjoyed woodworking; looking a t a piece of wood & creating something from it . He enjoyed traveling with his wife to the sands of Aruba & Hawaii; playing the slots in A.C. & Las Vegas; walking alongside the rim of the Grand Canyon in wonderment & standing in awe , feeling the power of Niagara Falls . Gene loved and adored playing cards with his grandsons & son-in-laws.  He always said, his greatest accomplishment in this world was his family , nothing else matter . That's what was the most important to him, the love of his family. Gene Benedetto was a devoted Dad, Husband and Grandfather with the strength of a bear, the heart of a lion and the patience of a Saint . He will be remembered for his honesty, kindness and generous heart. A strong yet gentle man who brought so much joy to every heart he touched.  A gentle giant a man of true character. Farewell Gene, until we meet again. In honor of Eugene & Barbara Benedetto, a Memoriam P ark B ench will be constructed overlooking the water at 16th Street Park, Bayonne, NJ. Anyone wishing to pay their respects, v iewing will be held on : Thursday September 15th from 3:00 to 7:00pm at the Migliaccio Funeral Home, 851 John F. Kennedy Blvd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday September 16th at 10:45am at St. Henry's Church, 82 W 29th Street, Bayonne. Family and friends are welcome to the funeral home on Friday beginning at 9:45am prior to mass. Cremation to follow will be private.