Hoboken Obitutary: Bahri 'Benny' Drishti

Hoboken resident Bahri ‘Benny’ Drishti passed away on Sept. 3.

He was 77-years-old.

The following obituary comes courtesy of Lawton-Turso Funeral Home:

“Bahri Drishti of Benny Tudino’s pizzeria in Hoboken, age 77, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon surrounded by his loving family in Hackensack after suffering a short illness.

“Born in Shkoder, Albania Benny came to settle here in Hoboken in 1968. The numerous awards he has received over the years regarding his pizza and the many celebrities that have passed through his establishment made him a proud man with regards to his business. The most recent visit of Vice-President Joe Biden, to his pizzeria filled him with pride and joy, as then Sen. F.Lautenberg stopped the Vice-Presidents motorcade to just have a slice and visit Benny. He always looked to feed the homeless as he thought no one should ever go hungry through this world. He was proud of his heritage, and accomplishments he has made in his life with the help of his wife whom both came from Albania knowing little English but eventually followed the American dream and became a foundation of his community. He would often say how many people at one time or another worked in the pizzeria and he would pay them with free pizza. Summer time he looked forward to travelling back to Albania where he had a summer home and would take the entire family. He will be greatly missed by all. He escaped from Albania in 1964 seeking freedom from Communist dictatorship. Here he began work at Mama Leona’s in New York as a bus boy but watched the chefs as they cooked so he could learn. He was renowned singer in the Albanian community and a true humanitarian whom has given back to his community several times over.

“Benny’s love for his family was second to none as he would take them on winter vacations and preached family first. He is predeceased by his beloved Wife Zylfije Drishti, he is survived by his 2 loving sons Hoboken Police Sergeants Edmond and Arbend Drishti and his daughter Rajmonda Drishti, as well as his 2 daughter -in- laws, Eriola and Artemis Drishti. Also, he is survived by his 7 adoring grandchildren Arba, Marilo, Bari, Dante, Pricilla, Luan and Maximus Drishti , along with his Sister Drita Begu, and Agim Drishti.”

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