Obituary of Bryan Matthews Benedetto

Bryan Matthews Benedetto passed away April 4, 2023.

Bryan was born in Columbia, SC to Angela Matthews and Joseph K Benedetto on October 31, 1979. Yes, Bryan was a "Halloween baby" and he lived up to the title.

Besides his parents, he is survived by a loving brother, Tony Benedetto; loving sister-in-love Jen; and beautiful niece, Anna. Also surviving Bryan are aunts, Cara Benedetto, Libby (Leslie) Case (she was also a loving caregiver to Bryan), Margaret (Bobby) Self, Nina Benedetto (Dan King), Cathy Benedetto (Vic McGraner). Uncles, John Benedetto (Jeanne LaPointe), Peter (Beth) Benedetto, Muncie (Sue) Matthews and Johnny Matthews (who kept Bryan in "dirty ol' money"); his cousins, Jennifer, Daniel, Ben, Eden, Amelia, Joseph, William, Marion, Paul, Clare, and Candy.

Bryan is also survived by many loving friends and non-biological aunts and uncles and their families. We could not list them all.

He has joined in Heaven his Grandparents, Barbara and Joseph K Benedetto and Virginia and Muncie Matthews. Also, his wonderful Uncle Frankie, along with many close friends.

Bryan was lucky to have so many wonderful teachers from preschool programs and throughout District 5. After Irmo High School, Bryan attended HopeBridge. He was lovingly cared for by an excellent staff and made life long friends. He and Meg Mungo shared a life journey from preschool until Bryan left this world for a better one.

Bryan was born with arthrogryposis, and was in a wheelchair. However, this did not stop him. His speech and physical success was due to the marvelous therapists throughout his life. In his younger days, he participated in the Victory Games for the disabled. Many gold medals adorned his neck. He was a little daredevil and never met a stranger. Once, he tried to fly from stairs! Luckily, it was only the third from the bottom. It scared his brother to death. His Daddy and brother, Tony, assisted Bryan in a great Boy Scout adventure. He and I loved our beach trips. It never took people long to understand his speech and to fall in love with such a remarkable young man.

Bryan’s absence in our world will be mourned. It gives us comfort to know that our little daredevil is flying high today.

Please make donations to Hopebridge, 2708 Hebron Drive, West Columbia, SC, 29169.

A memorial service for Bryan Benedetto will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 170 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC, 29210 on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11:00 am. A visitation and reception will follow the service. 

May we find peace in our hearts and healing in our souls.