Obituary of Elvera B. Mangiafesto

Elvera Benedetti Mangiafesto passed into the loving arms of Jesus on August 2, 2024.  Affectionately known as Vera, she was born the daughter of Nicolo and Filomena (Galante) Benedetti on February 17, 1930, during their voyage from Casal Bordino, Italy to Tuckaho, NY. Both Benedetti and Mangiafesto families moved to Fairport, NY, then settling in Lockport, NY.

While in Fairport, at the age of 12, she met Frank Mangiafesto while picking tomatoes on a farm.  Vera graduated from Lockport Senior High School in June of 1949 and just days later, in July, married her beloved husband, Frank Mangiafesto at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Lockport. She worked at Harrison Radiator Division in Lockport for 30 years. After retiring, she then chose to attend Niagara County Community College at the age of 53, where she received an Associates degree in Fine Arts (Phi Theta Kappa).

As a young girl, she originally dreamed of becoming a dress designer, sketching many drawings of models in beautiful dresses and gowns. She applied her artistic talents after her college degree was earned and became a local artist, winning many awards for her drawings and paintings of many mediums.  She was also a member of and held offices at the Niagara Arts Guild throughout her artistic endeavors. She was an enthusiastic Buffalo Bills and MLB St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Vera was predeceased by her husband Frank in 1989 and her granddaughter, Adrianna Anterline in 1986. Also predeceased by her brothers Dominick (Mary), Amerigo (Lily), and Vincent Benedetti.  She is survived by her son, Nicholas (Marilyn Pulvino) Mangiafesto and her daughter, Cheryl (William G., Jr) Anterline. Vera was Mima (grandmother) to Nicholas (Emily) Mangiafesto, Joseph (Jill) Mangiafesto and William G. (Jaime) Anterline, Ill. Great grandmother to Nico, Gianna and Luca Mangiafesto, Lucciana and Mariella Mangiafesto and William G. Anterline, IV.  Vera is also survived by her in-laws, Frances (Mangiafesto) and Ronald Wygladalski and Sarah Benedetti. She has several nieces, nephews, greats and great greats alike.

Relatives and friends may call Monday, August 5^th from 2-6 PM at Prudden And Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, August 6^th at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport.  Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or www.niagarahospice.org would be appreciated.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com.