Penny L. Bendetta 1951-2025

Born on Aug. 10, 1951, in Canton, Penny was a daughter of Thomas L. and Flo J. Chester Bendetta.

She was a graduate of Hubbard High School, Class of 1969, and attended Kent State University.

In 1978, Penny joined the family business when her parents acquired Ben’s Restaurant in Berlin Center. With dedication and a knack for hospitality, she helped transform the eatery into a local staple. After her parents’ passing, she continued to manage the restaurant alongside her sister and business partner, Debra, and the help of her daughters and eventually her grandchildren, ensuring its success until it was sold in 2023. Alongside her commitment to the family business, Penny also served her community as a teller at Mahoning Bank and Bank One.

Penny’s creative spirit shone brightly through her crafting. She found joy in designing unique sweatshirts, which she sold through Sol’s Exchange in Sugar Creek and local crafts shows. At home, she could often be found playing Words on the computer with friends or delighting in the magic of Hallmark Christmas movies, regardless of the season.

She never missed an opportunity to dance, especially the jitterbug, monthly lunch dates with lifelong high school friends, and the occasional trip to the casino, adding a dash of adventure to her days.

A member of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Canfield, her faith carried her approach to life, guiding her in acts of kindness and compassion toward others. She was the epitome of the matriarch and the glue that held her family together. Although she ran a well-organized and tight ship, it was one filled with lots of love, plenty of wisdom and humor, with her occasional one-liners that caught everyone off guard. Penny’s kindness knew no bounds, and she taught her family the importance of helping others and the power of a kind heart.

Left to carry on Penny’s memory are her daughters, Amanda (Daniel) Brady of Poland and Maggie Coonce of Canfield; grandchildren, Zachary (Taylor) Crewson, Alyssa (Brandon Davis) Crewson, Breanna (Gavin) Bly, Brittany Coonce, Robbie Coonce, Taylor (Christopher) Thomas, Emma (Payton) Derry and Jenna (Brice Dunsieth) Heater; great-grandchildren, Vaida, Vivianna and Vienna Crewson, Myles and Veronica Bly, and Eli Thomas; and siblings, Debra Bendetta, Thomas Bendetta Jr., Sally Bendetta and John (Sherry) Bendetta.

In addition to her parents, Penny was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Costello; grandson, Jacob Crewson; her companion of over 30 years, Bob Goricki; and former husband and father of her daughters, Jeffrey Costello.

Family and friends will be received 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State St., Salem.

A funeral service will be 12:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Highland Memorial Park. If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

To view Penny’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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