Obituary of Louis P. Benigni "Lou the Barber"

IRONDEQUOIT – God needed the best barber ever and called upon Louis Paul Benigni to join Him in heaven on January 22, 2021. At the age of 92, Lou was still cutting hair at his shop in the Concourse of the Metropolitan Building until only a few weeks before his passing. Throughout his 65-year career, he received numerous prestigious hairstyling awards and was a past member of the Rochester Rotary. In 2018, he was named a "Remarkable Rochesterian" to honor his notable contribution to the city.

An extremely talented artist, Lou first planned to pursue a career in commercial art after graduating from Jefferson High School. Instead, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a barber. Lou attended barber school in Los Angeles, CA prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served our country during the Korean War and was also the official barber aboard the U.S.S. Randolph CVA-15 while stationed overseas. Lou always cherished his Navy days, and in May 2015, was thrilled to take part in an Honor Flight to Washington, DC to visit the Korean War Memorial.

After returning home from the war, Lou worked alongside his father, Sam, at the Four Corners Barber Shop for many years prior to opening his own business, Lincoln Tower Barber/Stylist, in the Lincoln First Tower. He owned and operated this shop, currently the Tower Barber Shop, for more than 45 years. Recently, Lou also worked part-time at his daughter Tina's salon in Seabreeze.

Lou was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Bessie (Cenname) Benigni, infant brother George Benigni and his wife of 65 years, Rose Marie (Bonacci) Benigni, who passed away on January 4, 2021. He is survived by his children Lou Ann (Rick) Benigni-Lynch, Paula DeMarco, Tina (Phil) Benigni-Marra and Sam Benigni; grandchildren Joey (Kassi) DeMarco, Alyssa DeMarco and Michael Benigni; great-grandchildren J.J. DeMarco-Smith and Gemma DeMarco; brother-in-law John Bonacci; sister-in-law Lorraine Bonacci; several nieces, nephews, cousins, many dear friends and loyal customers.

No prior calling hours. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, February 10th at 10am, St. Kateri at St. Margaret Mary Church. His Mass will also be livestreamed at 9:55am through the Paul W. Harris Funeral Home Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/paulwharrisfuneralhomepetsatpeace/. Please note: A personal Facebook account is not required. If prompted to "Login" or "Create New Account," simply click the "Not Now" link to bypass the prompt. Interment with military honors at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice, perform a good deed in his memory, and like Lou, live life to the fullest so you will never have any regrets.