Jean "Starpoli" Benkert

Jean (Starpoli) Benkert of Kingston, New York, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on February 25, 1945, in Central Islip, New York, she was the daughter of the late Ethel Lamb and Peter Garamone. Jean graduated from Dover Plains High School in 1963 and went on to earn degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh and Western Connecticut University.

Known to generations of students as Mrs. Starpoli, Jean taught at Alden Place Elementary School in Millbrook from 1970 to 2000. A dedicated and memorable educator, she cherished her long career and the many lifelong friendships it brought her. In 2001 she married Joseph Benkert of Kingston, and together they shared a joyful life filled with travel and adventure until his death in 2020. Jean took great pride in having visited all seven continents and continued planning her next journeys until the very end.

She found happiness in many simple pleasures: adding to her extensive shoe collection, dancing late into the evening, humming tunes to accompany everyday tasks, and taking annual family trips to Maine. Jean loved wearing bold jewelry, surprised friends with her talent for bocce during winters in Florida, and was an active member of the Dutchess County Scottish Society. She was known for her devotion to Snickers bars, her legendary lemon meringue pie, and for raising her daughter to be fiercely independent and creative. She brought laughter and brightness to every gathering, whether at morning coffee with “the girls,” lobster roll outings, or Broadway trips with her sister.

Jean was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Benkert, and her brother, Paul Garamone. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Starpoli of Brooklyn, New York, her sister, Donna Law of Poughkeepsie, New York, her brother, Jim Garamone of Havre de Grace, Maryland, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of cherished friends.