Benny Genovese of Des Moines

Benny Michael Genovese, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, at Taylor House in Des Moines, IA. He was born on January 21, 1929, to Anthony and Mary Genovese in Des Moines. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947 and proudly served in the United States Army Artillery division in Germany from 1950 to 1952.

Benny met Carmela Marie Matalone, and they were married on September 27, 1953, where they resided in Des Moines. Together, they had two beloved daughters, Diane and Debra. After 61 years of marriage, Carmela passed away in 2015.

Benny worked as the manager of Pidgeon’s Grocery stores and the manager of Pidgeon’s Furniture Warehouse in Des Moines. He also owned and operated Benny’s Superette grocery store for 5 years on the Des Moines Southside. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony's Church and established their Saturday night bingo games, which eventually moved to Belizzi MacRae American Legion Post 659 where he also was a member. Benny loved playing cards with family and friends, the slots at Prairie Meadows, and frequent trips to Las Vegas with the family.

He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Diane (Joe) Renzo and Debra (Lou) Herrera: 6 Grandchildren, Juliet (Brett) UpChurch, Maria Renzo (Cody Christensen), Peter Renzo, Benjamin (Nikki) Herrera, Peter Renzo, Nicholas Herrera, and Alex Herrera and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Carmela; parents; and siblings Ross, Tony, Samuel, and Marian Genovese and sisters, Josephine Fazio, Mary Randazzo, and Rose Gatto.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, July 8^th at 11 am at the Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Rd, Des Moines. Visitation will be at the church from 10 am until service time, and the burial will be in the Glendale Cemetery with Army Honors.