January 17, 2012
Augustina Bendzunas, 90, of Oswego died Tuesday with her family by her side at The Manor at Seneca Hill. She was born in Oswego the daughter of the late Joseph and Concetta (Gambino) Solazzo Sr. Augie retired from Auxiliary Services from SUNY Oswego after many years of service. She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church, and she enjoyed many years of activities with the Golden Age Group and spending time with her family and friends. The essence of Augie was seen in her warm and encompassing smile. Her strong spirit exemplified graceful dignity and a positive attitude. Her husband Frank Bendzunas, son Joseph Bendzunas, sister Rose Solazzo, and brothers Nicholas, Tony, Dominic, and John Solazzo predeceased Augie. She is survived by her daughters Barbara (George) Blankenship, of Nevada, Mary Jean (John) Battista of Oswego, brothers Joseph and Michael Solazzo,of Oswego, sisters Jane Farfaglia of Fulton, Anna Fitzsimmons, Connie S. Pelkey, Mary (Thomas) Walsh, Frances Solazzo all of Oswego and her grandchildren Stephanie and Joseph Battista. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday 9:30 in St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home 147 W. Fourth St. Oswego. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are sent to Friends of Oswego County Hospice or to St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church.
Dear Barbara, Mary Jean and Families,
Please accept my sincere sorry in the loss of such a beautiful Mom! Augie was such a joy to work with and her infectious smile will never be forgotten. I adored her work ethic and positive attitude about life. We have all been truly blessed to have her in our life.
Sincerely and with hugs,
Bernice Strother
Dear Mary Jean,
I just read about your mother and wanted you to know how sorry I am. I only met her a few times at your house when we were playing outside. I haven’t seen you in a long time but I treasure the memories of having you as a friend from our time at St. John’s school. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Mary Ann
Dear Mary,
I am so sorry to hear of your sad loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you at this sad time.
God Bless, Helen
I met Augie many years ago as a student at SUNY Oswego. She worked at Cooper Dining Hall, and I saw her many times over the two years I lived on Campus. Many years later I ran into her in Oswego and we spoke for a little bit. She remembered me, she even remembered my name. After that I saw her out in the community more often. She always smiled as we exchanged our hellos. She was just such a genuinely nice person, every time I saw her at the dining hall she always greeted the students with her smile and warm personality. I am very sorry for your loss, what a nice lady Augie, she will surely be missed!
I remember your mom from the St. John’s School days, walking past your house four times a day from Tallman Street to St. John’s. She was always very nice, knew us all by name, and was always the first one to buy whatever the school had us selling….raffle tickets, etc. She never turned us down. What a wondeful lady she was to the children. God bless her.
I was very sad to hear of Augie’s passing this morning. She was a great woman. I remember my first trip to her house with my Uncle George and Aunt Barbara more than 25 years ago. It seems like it was the other day. Augie was so welcoming to my brothers and sisters and immediately treated us like family. She also fed us like there was no tomorrow, especially the “meatballs.” She will be missed by our family and will be in our prayers.
MJ, John and family. We just learned of your Mom’s passing. We are all thinking of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at ths difficult time.
Joanne, Tom, Jim, John, Joe and Kathy