Lorelei Fox Benatovich
No ordinary woman, beautiful inside and out, funny, warm, loving, generous, smart with a little bit of kookiness — and forever 39, Lorelei Fox Benatovich (Feb. 13, 1935 – April 29, 2021) will be missed by her family more than imaginable. Anyone lucky enough to have known her, was quickly engulfed in her world — whether you wanted to hear about her daughters or her granddaughters or not!
Although born in the north (Minneapolis), she was raised in Houston and always identified as a Texan, even if sometimes “misplaced” in New York or Rhode Island. Lorelei was a true Southerner — complete with a hint of an accent (especially after a phone call with her parents or other Texas friends), Southern hospitality and a few confederate dollars.
She attended Sophie Newcomb Memorial College (the women’s college of Tulane University) in New Orleans and was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority. While visiting family in Buffalo, New York, during the summers away from Houston, she met her husband of 62 years, Harvey Benatovich, and lost most of her accent during her first Buffalo blizzard. At parties, the Benatoviches were always the first couple on the dance floor and the last to leave it! Lorelai’s favorite dance spot, however, was in the back of the Amphitheater at Chautauqua.
A favorite nursery school teacher in her early career, she later opened Lorelei Graphics Gallery and was tempted to run for mayor of Buffalo. However, it was more important to her to never miss a match or game and to root for her kids’ sports teams. That tradition continued in the next generation, and she was a loyal, snack-providing fan of Classical High School Girls’ Tennis Team in Providence, Rhode Island.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Penny Benatovich and Lisa Brosofsky, her son-in-law, Dan Brosofsky, and the loves of her life, her twin granddaughters Sarah and Jillian Brosofsky, as well as Eric Brosofsky, many nieces and nephews, cousins and countless wonderful friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Mary Fox, her brother, Myles Fox, as well as her husband, Harvey Benatovich.
No one loved her family more than Lorelei. She lived for her “girls” and was a fierce Mombo/Mama Bear. A force of nature. Indelibly in our hearts and souls forever. A life full of love.
Harvey Benatovich
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Harvey Benatovich (Sep. 25, 1933 – Dec. 11, 2020) was a true gentleman. A graduate of Nichols School and Yale University, he was known for his quick sense of humor; being able to do just about any accent; his love for acting, old movies, singing and dancing; and for making everyone feel his warmth and charm.
He is survived by his family who loved him very much — at the time of his death, he was survived by his wife of 62 years Lorelei (Fox) Benatovich; daughters Penny Benatovich and Lisa (Benatovich) Brosofsky; son-in-law, Dan Brosofsky; and his beloved granddaughters, Sarah and Jillian Brosofsky; as well as Eric Brosofsky; sister, Roz Newman; along with many loving friends, in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins. He was the devoted son of the late Eva (Schrutt) and Harry Benatovich; and brother of the late Ted Benatovich.
After college and a brief stay in New York City, he served in the Army in Korea. Upon his return from Korea, he married Lorelei, and they settled in Buffalo. He acted in a number of plays at Buffalo’s Studio Arena Theatre, played some characters at the old Fantasy Island and landed a job in an advertising agency before too long. With the advertising experience, he took over all of the advertising for the growing family supermarket chain, Park Edge. Harvey ran the advertising and managed the Transit store (every Park Edge store had a Benatovich in it). Later on he enjoyed rewarding work managing the Broadway Market and with the Job Corps of Western New York.
He will be remembered as the best Dad and Papa ever, a great joke teller, fabulous singer, dancer, snappy dresser and a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan. Anyone lucky enough to know him adored him.
