Nicholas Joseph Beni Jr.

SALISBURY — Nicholas Joseph Beni Jr., 69, of Longmont, Colo., and formerly of Salisbury, passed away Jan. 30, 2022, after many years of battling with his health. He passed at home surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Parma, Italy, he was the adopted son of Nicholas and Rita Beni of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He attended Paul Smith’s College and The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. Throughout his life he was a chef at many different restaurants including the Interlaken Inn in Salisbury, The New Yorker in Millerton,  Copperfields in Salt Point, N.Y., and Tickets in Amenia. He was the owner of The Pond Restaurant in Ancramdale.

He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting on family land and fishing the deep sea. His latest hobby was wood carving.

What brought him the most joy was being around his grandchildren, Jasper and Cordelia. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, having a story for every moment in life and his ability to “Dine” at every meal.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy Belter Beni of 41 years; daughter, Tanya (significant other, Kristofor, and his daughter, Cordelia); son, Nick (wife, Laura, and their son, Jasper.)  He is also survived by his brother, John Beni, and sister, Liza Beni; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Rita Beni;  his in-laws, Willis and Ruth Belter; and two nephews, Geoff Belter and Matthew Beni.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Salisbury Ambulance, P.O. Box 582, Salisbury, CT 06068; or The Lakeville Hose Co., P.O. Box 1969, Lakeville, CT 06039. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.