Obituary of Steve Benyo

Steve Benyo, 86, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024 while briefly on Hospice Care. 

Born Istvan Benyo in Budapest, Hungary in 1937, “Steve” escaped to Austria during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956.  Knowing his father would most likely stop him, he left with only saying farewell to his mother. 
Steve was pre-deceased by his parents and 3 sisters who remained in Budapest.  The loving bond the siblings had was admirable.  Being the youngest as well as the only son, his visits “home” were a non-stop celebration filled with love, laughter, travel and Hungarian music  and cuisine.  After he established himself in the United States, Steve faithfully visited and took care of his family his entire life.

Steve was shortly on his own after arriving to the United States.  His first stop was South Bend, Indiana followed by Niles, Michigan and Ohio.  He eventually went to Florida where he acquired a love for the hospitality industry. Steve was a natural.  His work ethic was impeccable, working 3 years without a single day off.  In pursuit of more work opportunities, he ended up in New Jersey where he worked in hospitality for 3 decades before becoming a restaurateur in Union, NJ.  Before retiring in 2013, he worked as Banquet Manager at The Somerset Hills Hotel which was the grand finale of a grand career. 

Steve is survived by his loving family; wife of 39 years, Natalie, with whom he lived mostly in bucolic Far Hills, NJ; son, Stephen (wife Mary), daughter, Kristen ( husband James), and grandchildren Corey, Alexis and Francesca. He loved animals and leaves behind, Tinker, the family tabby.

Steve’s broad smile, dynamic personality and passion for life will live on in the hearts of those he touched.  He will be deeply missed by those who were blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing him.

The ceremony will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the ASPCA or to the Nancy and Skippy Weinstein Inpatient Hospice and Palliative Care Center at Morristown Medical Center.