Obituaries

Giovanni Benvenuti

Acclaimed sculptor, painter and illustrator Gianni Benvenuti died of stomach cancer at his home in Germantown on Sept. 18. He was 79.

Benvenuti was born in Pisa, Italy, on June 20, 1926 and was educated at the Vittorio Veneto Scientific Lyceum and at the School of Architecture of the University of Milan. He began his artistic career in post-war Italy as a painter whose forceful works attracted immediate critical and public attention. His sensitive illustrations of more than 50 books earned him international renown.

In the 1960s, while living in Pietrasanta, a major center of stone carving in Tuscany, he began to divide his time between painting and sculpture. Although he never sought fame, art historians and fellow sculptors alike recognized him as a major figure in 20th-century Italian art. The article on Benvenuti in the Bolaffi National Catalog of Modern Sculpture states, “the aggressiveness inherent in certain of [his] solutions … becomes a kind of exorcism against the suffering of the hard task of existence.”

In 1975 Benvenuti, together with others in Pietrasanta, organized the first major exhibition of art in the town, titled Sculptors and Artisans in a Historic Center. The show proved so successful that it became an eagerly awaited annual event, in which Benvenuti remained a central figure until he left Italy.

In 1978, he came to the United States to live and work with fellow sculptor Elfie Harris, whom he later married. Their home in Germantown housed both their studio and their gallery and became a magnet for artists and musicians who often gathered there.

From the 1970s on, his sculptures were exhibited frequently in major galleries in Italy, France and the United States. His works on canvas and in marble, bronze and terracotta are now represented in distinguished private collections in both Europe and America, as well as in the permanent collection of the Museo d’Arte delle Generazioni Italiane del ‘900 in Bologna.

Benvenuti continued to work at an astonishing pace and with extraordinary passion and versatility until a few weeks before his death. During his years in America, he produced an extensive and inspired series of paintings in addition to some of his finest sculptural works and also devoted time to numerous and wide-ranging design projects.

According to Thora Jacobson, executive director of the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial, “Gianni was something of a force of nature, and his work reflected that whether it was sculpture, painting, prints or political cartoons. They gestured boldly in two dimensions and in three, and they demanded that you engage with them. … Gianni was also as alive as any human being I have ever known and just about as opinionated. From the state of Italian and American politics to the standings of Series A soccer teams, to the minute inner workings of every one of his sculptural subjects, Gianni was informed and insightful. … Most of all, Gianni was a very kind and wise man, never more so than when he faced his illness square on.

Gianni Benvenuti is survived by his wife, Elfie Harris; his mother, Lida; his sister, Paola; his son from a former marriage, Michele; and his grandson, Daniele Leone.

A foundation is being established to preserve the collection of Benvenuti’s art in his studio and gallery in Germantown. Contact his wife, Elfie Harris, at art@harrisbenvenuti.com for information.

Julia T. Moran

Julia Taylor Moran, of Florida, formerly of Wyndmoor, died on Sept. 19.

She was the wife of the late Joseph Moran, mother of Margaret Altrogge and Thomas Moran (Sonnya), and is also survived by a grandchild, Michael (Jillian).

Relatives and friends may call at Seven Dolors Church, 1200 E. Willow Grove Ave., Wyndmoor, on Friday Sept. 30 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Genevieve's Church, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031.

D. Seka Myers

D. Seka Myers, of Wyndmoor, died on Sept. 20.

She was the wife of Michael H. Myers, D.D.S., mother of Alison Myers, daughter of Emilija Kuntic and sister of Beri Kuntic.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at Seven Dolors Church on Sept. 22. Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Sveti DUH Hospital; mail to Dr. Michael Myers’ home.

Regina E. Geisz

Regina E. Geisz, of Sacred Heart Manor, formerly of Chestnut Hill, died on Sept. 20.

She is survived by a brother, William J. Geisz, of Wilmington, Del.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Sept. 26 at Our Mother of Consolation Church, with interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Guido Puglia

Guido Puglia, of Chestnut Hill, died on Sept. 19.

He was the husband of Ada Puglia (nee Tome), father of Luigi (Elizabeth), David (Alexis) and John (Paula). He is also survived by six grandchildren; and a sister, Chola.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Sept. 23 at Holy Cross Church. Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Robert Morris Bldg., 100 N. 17th St., 2nd. Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103.