Obituary of Kathleen M. Benfey

Kathleen Benfey, age 64, of Rome, passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2023, at Rome Health.

Kathy was born in Salamanca, NY on January 12, 1959 to James and Irene Bankovic Leary and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from SUNY Potsdam. On June 9, 1984, she was united in marriage to David Benfey. She worked as a software developer and then teacher's aide for the Rome City School District.

Kathy was a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt. She loved going on cruises on Royal Caribbean and vacations to many Sandals Resorts with family and friends. She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and was an integral member of the Fit Body Boot Camp community in Rome.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, David; her daughter, Kelly of Milwaukee, WI; her son, Eric of Buffalo; her mother, Irene (Dolly) Leary; her sister, Julie (Scott) Badger; her brother, Jim (Carrie) Leary; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, James.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday at 3 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, where family and friends will be able to share stories and memories of Kathy.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 1 to 3 PM prior to the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Kathy's memory to Feeding America, Rome Rescue Mission, or Forging Youth Resilience (FYR).