Paul J. 'Jake' Benassi

Paul J. "Jake" Benassi, 87, of Greencastle, passed away on Oct. 17, 2011.

Mr. Benassi was born on Jan. 25, 1924 in Indianapolis to Attilio Benassi and Gladys Smyser Benassi.

He was a 1943 graduate of Belle Union High School.

Paul was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy as a gunner and a cook. He was awarded the American Area Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

He retired from Allison Gas Turbine Plant 5 after 36 years of service and was a member of UAW 933, VFW and Loyal Order of Moose.

His parents and wife Diane preceded him in death.

Surviving are his children, Ronald Benassi and wife Marie of Crawfordsville, Paula Martin and husband Joe of Bainbridge, Bob Benassi and wife Sue of Reelsville, Dan Benassi and wife Kathleen of Greencastle and Mark Benassi and wife Zaida of Greencastle; a brother, Denzil Benassi of Fillmore; two sisters, Giacinda Krauthamer and husband Harold of Indianapolis and Regina Ader and husband Willis of Bainbridge; six grandchildren, Jolie Denmark and husband Andrew of Valdosta, Ga., Ginger Spires and husband Michael of Fishers, Jenny Sutherlin and husband Travis of Cloverdale, Marcus Benassi of Greencastle, Ron Benassi Jr. of Crawfordsville, and Christopher Benassi of Crawfordsville; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home, Greencastle, with Pastor Randy McNeely officiating. Entombment with honors will follow at 1:15 p.m. at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Terre Haute.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In memory of Jake, memorials may be made to Riley Hospital for Children, 702 Barnhill Drive, Room 1715, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.